Published 17:42 IST, October 14th 2019
Euro 2020 Qualifiers: Ukraine vs Portugal; match preview and team news
Euro 2020 Qualifiers: Ukraine host Portugal as they look to be the first to qualify for the tournament from their group. Here's the match preview and team news.
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Portugal are scheduled to face Ukraine in Kyiv in a Group B fixture in the Euro 2020 qualifiers on Tuesday, October 15. Cristiano Ronaldo's side are currently five points behind Ukraine in 2nd, having played a game less. They would definitely look to reduce the point deficit when the sides meet on Monday night. Here's a look at the match preview and team news ahead of the tie.
Form and Head to Head
Portugal are undefeated in their group along with Ukraine but they've managed to win only thrice while drawing twice in five games. Ukraine, on the other hand, have five wins and a draw in their six games they've played so far. Serbia currently at third behind; four points behind Portugal will have a close eye on the fixture. Both the sides look likely to represent Group A at the Euros next year, with Ukraine can seal their spot with a win in the fixture. Ukraine somehow managed to squeeze a draw away from home when the sides met back in March and would look to avoid the same at home.
Team News
Fernando Santos wasn't happy with his side despite Portugal beating Luxembourg 3-0 on Saturday citing a loss of focus in the second half a cause for frustration. He might though would want to stick to the same line-up. Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva will be the first names on the team-sheet, both having scored in their last fixture. Ronaldo, meanwhile, will be looking for his 700th career goal in Kyiv. William Carvalho continues to miss out with an injury along with Napoli full-back Mario Rui. Rest of the squad will remain in contention for the game.
As for Ukraine, Coach Andriy Shevchenko has no new injury or suspension issues following Saturday's match so he could name an unchanged side too. West Ham forward Andriy Yarmolenko and Atalanta attacker Ruslan Malinovski will be the key attackers for Shevchenko's side. Malinovski, who scored a brace for his side on Saturday will be looking to add to his tally against the UEFA Nations League winners.
Predicted Line-Up
Ukraine: Andriy Pyatov, Sergiy Bolbat, Sergey Krivstov, Mykola Matviyenko, Eduard Sobol, Tars Stepanenko, Andriy Yarmolenko, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Ruslan Malinovsky, Marlos, Junior Moraes
Portugal: Rui Patricio, Nelson Semedo, Ruben Dias, Pepe, Raphael Guerreiro, Joao Moutinho, Danilo Pereira, Bruno Fernandes, Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix, Bernardo Silva
When and Where To Watch
Date: October 15, 2019
Time: 12:15 AM IST
Where: SONY LIV
12:14 IST, October 14th 2019