Ukraine vs Belgium UEFA Euro 2024: Match Preview, H2H, Team News, Predicted XI and more

The bitterly contested Euro 2024 Group E will culminate on Wednesday night at the MHPArena in Stuttgart as Belgium and Ukraine, the two early favourites for last-16 spots, square off. Both countries scored at the second try the last time out; the Red Devils defeated Romania 2-0, while Serhiy Rebrov's team rallied from a goal down to defeat Slovakia 2-1.

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Ukraine vs Belgium: Head to Head

Ukraine and Belgium have never met in a senior men's international match previously, making this game more fascinating. Belgium's sole loss in the last 17 matches in all competitions came against Slovakia, which also faced Ukraine. Since a shocking 1-0 friendly loss to Egypt in 1999, Belgium has never lost their first meeting with another national team. This bodes well for the Red Devils, who hope to avoid a group-stage departure like their disappointment at the 2022 World Cup.

Ukraine vs Belgium: Match Preview

Ukraine's route to Euro 2024 has been dramatic. Despite starting with a 3-1 setback to Romania, they came back with a stunning 2-1 win over Slovakia. Mykola Shaparenko's calm finish and Roman Yaremchuk's late triumph kept Ukraine's hopes alive. Currently, all four teams in Group E have three points, making it the tournament's tightest group. Ukraine requires a win to secure a top-two finish, although a draw could suffice depending on the outcome of the Romania-Slovakia encounter.

Belgium, on the other hand, rallied from an early 2-1 setback to Slovakia with a good 2-0 victory over Romania. Youri Tielemans scored the fastest goal in Belgian men's tournament history, followed by Kevin De Bruyne's strike. The Red Devils sit second in their group and only need a draw to move to the knockout stage. They could finish first if they win while Slovakia fails to beat Romania.

Ukraine vs Belgium: Team News

Ukraine: Ukraine’s Vitaliy Mykolenko has been cleared to play and may return to the starting lineup. Artem Dovbyk is expected to start over Roman Yaremchuk despite the latter’s crucial goal against Slovakia. Anatoliy Trubin is likely to retain his place in goal after a strong performance, while Oleksandr Zinchenko could move back to midfield if Mykolenko starts at left-back. Viktor Tsygankov is a doubt due to discomfort, potentially giving Andriy Yarmolenko a starting role on the wing.

Predicted Ukraine XI: Trubin; Tymchyk, Zabarnyi, Matvienko, Mykolenko; Sudakov, Zinchenko, Shaparenko; Yarmolenko, Dovbyk, Mudryk

Belgium: Belgium will be without Axel Witsel and Thomas Meunier due to injuries, and Dodi Lukebakio will serve a suspension. This opens the door for either Leandro Trossard or Johan Bakayoko to start in the attack. Arthur Theate should be fit to start despite a minor injury scare, and Jan Vertonghen is set to continue his role in defense.

Predicted Belgium XI: Casteels; Castagne, Faes, Vertonghen, Theate; Tielemans, Onana; Doku, De Bruyne, Trossard; Lukaku

With everything on the line for both teams, the Belgium vs Ukraine match promises to be spectacular. Ukraine's dynamic attacking team will aim to exploit any flaws in Belgium's defence, while the Red Devils will rely on their seasoned midfield and attacking ability to advance to the knockout stages. A win for either team will ensure their progression, although a draw may be sufficient, depending on the outcomes of the other Group E match.