Each day our exclusive MATCH OF THE DAQ service previews the big match of the day – usually a televised game.
As well as the preview we also bring you the head to head records of the two teams as well as a recommended bet on BETDAQ for the match.
Ukraine U21 v England U21
European Under-21 Championship 2011
KO 19:45, Sky Sports 1
HEAD-TO-HEAD
(Max last 10 only)
(Never previously met)
PREVIEW
Danny Welbeck’s late goal rescued an unlikely point against the tournament favourites at the weekend and a win this evening would put Stuart Pearce’s side in an excellent position to reach the knock-out stages. Frank Fielding was in fine form against the Spaniards, but the keeper will be expecting a quieter game this time around against Ukraine.
Two years have passed since the nations contested the European Under-19 Championship final in Ukraine. Starman Denys Garmash was one of three players in this Under-21 squad who was in the starting XI for the 3-0 triumph in 2009.
Manager Pavlo Yakovenko would love a similar result here as the side have a very tough job on their hands if they are to qualify after suffering a 2-1 defeat in their opener against Czech Republic.
Ukraine’s chances have been further hampered as they will have to make do without their captain Taras Stepanenko, who has been ruled out through injury.
Pearce’s decision to drop Fabrice Muamba and Jack Rodwell did not help the side’s fluidity in the opener and the pair can expect a call-up this evening. One of the main positives to come from the 1-1 draw with Spain was the resilience shown at the back. The draw means that Ukraine have to push for the win as another defeat would all but eliminate them as they face Spain in the group decider.
The two nations have never met at this level and England are a good bet to take another step closer to progressing from Group B with their first victory in the competition.
RECOMMENDATION: (1-10 points)
Back England at around 1.71: 5 points
Tuesday’s Return: +2.68 points
