IT’S all to play for in Bucharest as Ukraine and Austria can both qualify for the knock-out stages of Euro 2020.
Victory for either side will guarantee them a spot in the Last 16 but a draw would leave one of them praying for third-place redemption.
The game will be one of the most intriguing of the tournament yet and takes place on ITV at 5pm this Monday.
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What’s the form?
Austria have made an indifferent start to their campaign, beating North Macedonia 3-1 but failing against Holland.
The Dutch made Franco Foda’s side look like amateurs as they strolled to a 2-0 win.
Austria’s 2021 form has been dreadful, winning just one of their seven games this year – and that was against the Faroe Islands.
Ukraine, meanwhile, have impressed, narrowly losing 3-2 to Holland in their opener and beating North Macedonia 2-1 last time out.
Andriy Shevchenko’s team did well in qualifying, finishing top of a group that contained defending champions Portugal and tournament regulars Serbia.
Ukraine also won both of their warm-up games for the Euros against Northern Ireland and Cyprus.
“We have it in our hands to reach the round of 16. Marko Arnautovic will be back for our ‘final’ against Ukraine. We will be ready.”
Franco Foda, Austria manager
Who’s in and who’s out?
Austria’s talisman Marko Arnautovic is back after serving a one-match ban for his controversial goal celebration against North Macedonia.
Foda is expected to go with a full strength side, although David Alaba, Daniel Bachmann and Stefan Lainer are all a yellow card away from a ban.
Ukraine stars Mykola Shaparenko and Serhiy Sydorchuk are also at risk of suspension, but Shevchenko must treat the game as a knock-out and pick his strongest team.
“We haven’t done anything to make people too proud of us just yet. Love and hate are just a step apart. It’s great we gave [our fans] some excitement but now we have to prepare for our final [group] match with cool heads.”
Georgiy Bushchan, Ukraine goalkeeper
Watch out for…
Andriy Yarmolenko’s post-match press conference.
The Ukrainian winger jokingly mocked Cristiano Ronaldo by asking for Coca-Cola and Heineken to sponsor him.
Ronaldo hit the headlines earlier this week when he moved two Coca-Cola bottles out of shot and implored people to drink water instead.
Yarmolenko is also good value on the pitch and could be the man to inspire Ukraine to victory against Austria.
If the game’s rubbish…
Inna Yarmolenko will be cheering on her husband and his team-mates as they try to secure a place in the last 16.
The Premier League star married the fitness fanatic in 2011 and she’s been with him throughout his time at Dynamo Kyiv, Borussia Dortmund and West Ham.
Fancy a punt?
Get all your Euro 2020 ante-post tips with our tournament betting guide HERE.
Match odds
- Marko Arnautovic first goalscorer 6/1 @ Betfair
- Ukraine to win 5/2 @ Paddy Power
- Austria to win 5/2 @ William Hill
*All odds correct at time of publication
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
