Ukraine square off against Republic of Ireland in the neutral city of Lodz with the opportunity to maintain their 100% record in the UEFA Nations League.

At a time when they sit top of League B Group 1, Republic of Ireland are in second position after recording a much-needed victory over Scotland last time out.

Match preview

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On the back of drab performances against Armenia and Ukraine, there was the suggestion that Stephen Kenny was beginning to come under pressure in the Republic of Ireland dugout.

However, he has long insisted that the Boys In Green are still going through a transitional period, something highlighted by the contrasting display that they produced against Scotland.

Alan Browne, Troy Parrott and Michael Obafemi earned Republic of Ireland a 3-0 win in Dublin, Kenny describing the win as one of their most significant in years.

Although some nations do not always prioritise the Nations League, it feels important that Republic of Ireland remain at the second tier, and even avoiding defeat in Poland will move them closer towards that goal.

However, having lost out 1-0 to Ukraine last week, Kenny and his players will be motivated to give a better account of themselves, particularly with their opponents threatening to run away with the group.

Only a week has passed since Ukraine came up short against Wales in the World Cup playoff final, Oleksandr Petrakov witnessing numerous chances squandered during the 1-0 defeat in Wales.

In the short time that has followed, the Blue and Yellow have posted successive wins, the triumph in Dublin being followed by a 3-0 success over Armenia.

While the scoreline suggests that Ukraine won the latter of those fixtures convincingly, the deadlock was not broken until shortly after the hour mark before they ultimately ran riot.

After an intense period, more team changes could follow on Tuesday, but there is a depth about this squad that may render any rotation irrelevant.

Team News

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Left-back Vitaliy Mylolenko may be restored to the Ukraine starting lineup, allowing for Oleksandr Zinchenko to return to the midfield.

While Artem Dovbyk will hope for another chance in attack, Roman Yaremchuk could retain his spot after being substituted on the 70-minute mark last time out.

Andriy Yarmolenko should be recalled on the right flank with Viktor Tsygankov dropping down to the substitutes' bench.

Kenny faces making a number of changes to his Republic of Ireland XI, with Shane Duffy suspended and Obafemi having picked up a groin injury.

Josh Cullen has also played three games in quick succession, so Dara O'Shea, Jeff Hendrick and Callum Robinson could all be drafted into the starting lineup.

Ukraine possible starting lineup:
Pyatov; Karavaev, Zabarnyi, Matvienko, Mylolenko; Zinchenko, Sydorchuk, Shaparenko; Yarmolenko, Yaremchuk, Mudryk

Republic of Ireland possible starting lineup:
Kelleher; Egan, Collins, O'Shea; Browne, Knight, Hendrick, Molumby, McClean; Robinson, Parrott

We say: Ukraine 2-0 Republic of Ireland

While Republic of Ireland were hugely impressive last time out, the aforementioned selection issues will not do Kenny's men any favours. With that in mind, we feel that Ukraine will run out comfortable winners, potentially scoring a goal in either half.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

Written by
Darren Plant

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