Ukraine vs Belgium: Preview, predictions and lineups

By James Cormack

Everything's at stake on Matchday 3 in Group E, with Belgium taking on Ukraine in Stuttgart having saved their Euro 2024 campaign against Romania last time out.

Dominic Tedesco's side were on the receiving end of the biggest upset in Euros history on Matchday 1 as they were beaten 1-0 by Slovakia, but the former RB Leipzig manager altered his lineup and oversaw an impressive display at the weekend to potentially ignite their summer campaign.

Kevin De Bruyne starred in Belgium's 2-0 victory on Saturday, with the Manchester City star scoring his country's second after Youri Tielemans had netted an early opener.

Romania currently top Group E with all four countries locked on three points apiece, and if they draw with Slovakia, one of these sides could be going home.

A draw between Romania and Slovakia on Thursday could see one of these two sides go home.

Ukraine must've thought the writing was on their Euro 2024 wall when they fell a goal behind to Slovakia on Matchday 2 having been battered 3-0 in their opening game by Romania. However, Serhiy Rebrov's side rallied in the second half and secured a 2-1 victory.

Here's 90min's guide to Ukraine and Belgium's first-ever competitive meeting.

What time does Ukraine vs Belgium kick-off?

Ukraine vs Belgium H2H Record

This is the first competitive fixture between Ukraine and Belgium.

Current form (all competitions)

How to watch Ukraine vs Belgium on TV and live stream

Ukraine team news

Rebrov had to ring the changes following Ukraine's 3-0 defeat to Romania, but he may not stick with the starting XI from Matchday 2 given the impact of his substitutes off the bench.

Roman Yaremchuk is vying for a start having scored the winner against Slovakia, and Rebrov may be forced to drop Pichichi Trophy winner Artem Dovbyk for Thursday's game. Yaremchuk is a booking away from suspension.

Vitaliy Mykolenko is back in full training and could make his first appearance of the tournament, while there's hope Girona's Viktor Tsygankov will also be fit for Thursday's game.

Ukraine predicted lineup vs Belgium

Ukraine predicted lineup (5-4-1): Trubin; Tymchyk, Zabarnyi, Svatok, Matviyenko, Mykolenko; Tsygankov, Shaparenko, Brazhko, Mudryk; Yaremchuk.

Belgium team news

Tedesco made several changes to his side on Matchday 2, and they certainly brought about the desired results. Thus, Jan Vertonghen, Arthur Theate, and Youri Tielemans should all keep their places in the Belgium XI.

Dodi Lukebakio picked up his second yellow card of the tournament against Romania and misses Thursday's game through suspension. Johan Bakayoko is a fine deputy, however.

Belgium predicted lineup vs Ukraine

Belgium predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Casteels; Castagne, Faes, Vertonghen, Theate; Tielemans, Onana, Bakayoko, De Bruyne, Doku; Lukaku.

Ukraine vs Belgium score prediction

Belgium weren't necessarily vastly improved on Matchday 2, but Tedesco's changes did aid their dynamics in possession and bring out the best in De Bruyne. They were also considerably more clinical in front of goal.

Their performance was a reminder of the threat the Red Devils possess, but they're likely to face up against an emboldened Ukraine team that will aim to frustrate, contain, and counter.

Ukraine's second-half showing against Slovakia has given them life, and they may be content with a draw depending on what occurs in the group's other fixture. Tedesco's dynamic Belgium, though, are likely to have too much for Ukraine to handle.

Prediction: Ukraine 1-2 Belgium

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This article was originally published on 90min.com as Ukraine vs Belgium: Preview, predictions and lineups.