The last game in round of 16 is all about the dark horses. Sweden, as the most unexpected one, would be taking on Ukraine, which was rather lucky to advance by only collecting three points from three games. Andrey Shevchenko’s side must improve here to save their campaign in EURO since Emile Forsberg and Co seem to be a tricky opposition here. The match will take place in Hampden Park, Glasgow.
Both teams’ previous games
Blagult’s last game was a goal galore. They won 3-2 over Poland which was striving for their last chance to progress yet failed. Emile Forsberg bagged a brace but then Robert Lewandowski’s brace put them back on a level term. It was the goal before the final whistle by Viktor Claesson which put them on the top of the table and forced Spain to sit on the second.
Ukraine, on the other hand, had to suffer a 0-1 loss from Austria. The only goal of the game was scored by Christopher Baumgartner. Such result put them on the third instead of finishing on the second but it can be a blessing as they could avoid the favourite, Italy, at this stage.
Possible tactic
Janne Anderson will be sticking to his favourite 4-4-2 with Alexander Isak and Dejan Kulusevski upfront. The return of the latter forward after being tested positive COVID-19 is certainly a blessing for Blagult as he could be the key man in their attack who could provide creativity and intensity too among the senior figures who lack of experience playing in European major leagues. On both flanks, Emile Forsberg and Sebastian Larsson would be the supporting them.
Andrey Shevchenko is still opting for 4-3-3. His trident upfront, Ruslan Malinovsky, Roman Yaremchuk and West Ham man Andrey Yarmolenko, remains the key figures on the attacking line. There might be changes in the midfield with the return of Taras Stepanenko to accompany Olexander Zichenko and Mykola Shaparenko. The only names on the sidelines are Oleksander Zubkov and Denys Popov.
Players to watch
Juventus man Dejan Kulusevski would be the new hope Sweden can cling on. He has provided two assists from the bench in the last outing. Another notable figure in the squad is surely their current top scorer, Emile Forsberg.
Atalanta man Ruslan Malinovsky is one of the key men in the current squad along with Manchester City left back Olexander Zichenko. They are versatile and excel at shooting from the long range. Another vital name to watch is Genk forward Roman Yaremchuk who has netted twice in the tournament.
Sweden vs Ukraine Prediction
Blagult is now confident to advance to the quarter final with the return of Dejan Kulusevski in the squad. He is their expected secret weapon who could make the difference when necessary. Andrey Yarmolenko and Co would be in difficulty to stop that talented versatile youngster. Sweden will definitely come out as a winner with at least one goal difference.
Betting odds
Neither side is the clear favourite here. Ukraine is backed to win at 12/5, whereas Janne Anderson’s side is only priced to win at 32/21. The draw result is at the value of 11/5.
