Slovakia will want to give supporters even more cause to rejoice when they play Ukraine in their second group match after upsetting Belgium in their opening due to a goal by Ivan Schranz. 

The Slovaks want to win their fourth straight game in all competitions, but manager Francesco Calzona has to caution his players against complacency. 

Though the home team has no new injury concerns, striker Ivan Schranz, as previously noted, is only one yellow card away from suspension.

On the other hand, the Ukrainians were depressed before their journey to Dusseldorf since they had a poor performance in a 3-0 defeat to Romania. Ruslan Malinovsky and Andriy Yarmolenko want to start, while Everton left-back Vitalii Mykolenko is racing against time to prepare for Friday's game. 

Slovakia x Ukraine Team News

Denis Vavro and Ivan Schranz were selected above Norbert Gyomber and Tomas Suslov; thus, there were no big surprises in Slovakia's starting lineup against Belgium on Monday. Having named three players in their starting lineup who were 35 years of age or older—Peter Pekarik (37), Juraj Kucka (37), and Martin Dubravka (35)—Slovakia became the second country in European Championship history.

Against Belgium, Kucka created one opportunity and had more shots than any other Slovakian player. From only 23 touches, Schranz scored a goal and created three opportunities. Therefore, he will remain in the same starting lineup.

In his team that lost against Romania, Rebrov did throw in a few surprises, most notably Oleksandr Zinchenko playing at left-back instead of the midfield position he typically plays. The selected double pivots were Taras Stepanenko and Mykola Shaparenko, the former serving as captain. The starting goalie, Andriy Lunin, had a game to remember, being beaten twice from beyond the box, one of which went under him.

It would be fascinating to watch whether Rebrov changes his starting lineup, considering how much Ukraine struggled in front of goal even though they controlled the ball. At most, Zinchenko may replace Shaparenko, with Vitaliy Mykolenko moving to left-back.

Head To Head And Previous Matches

Nobody anticipated Slovakia's brisk start. Although Group E is somewhat equal, everyone assumed that Belgium would win with a 100% record and Slovakia, Romania, and Ukraine would fight for second place. However, Slovakia had different intentions and was Belgium's first group-stage opponent.

After seven minutes, Ivan Schranz scored the match's first goal, and Slovakia would not concede again. Slovakia has won all four recent competitive internationals, their longest winning streak in competitive games since October 2016–September 2017.

Slovakia would almost guarantee their place in the last 16 if they defeated Ukraine for the fifth time in a row, the second time (out of three tries) after Czechoslovakia separated.

On the other side, Ukraine needs to recover from a significant setback. With a few talented players keen to showcase their talent on the big stage, some predicted that Ukraine would finish second in this group. They were soundly trounced 3-0 by Romania, however.

Despite having an astounding 71% of the ball against Romania, Serhiy Rebrov's team managed only two shots on target, posing very little of a goal threat. Andriy Lunin suffered two strikes from outside the box and a close-range tap-in at the opposite end of the field.

Being one of the strongest third-placed teams, Ukraine knows that a victory will be enough to get them to the last 16, even with goal difference working against them.

When Slovakia played Belgium, they scored their lone goal in the first half; when Ukraine played Romania, they let up two goals before the interval. And, glancing a little further back, it does seem that action may occur in the second half.

Slovakia scored seven of its past thirteen goals in the second half in all competitions, but they also gave up three after the interval. Simultaneously, Ukraine has conceded three goals and scored six of its last nine in the second period.

Our Predictions

Slovakia to win @3.90 on Sky247.ng

Slovakia could build on their shock win over Belgium, which is statistically the biggest upset in the history of the European Championship because 45 places were separating the Falcons and Red Devils in the Fifa world rankings going into the game.

On the first day of play, Ivan Schranz was the Falcons' hero when he squeaked his shot past Koen Casteels to give his team an early lead that they skillfully held onto for the next 83 minutes despite two disallowed goals by Romelu Lukaku.

And against Ukraine, who failed to score after suffering a shocking defeat to Romania on Monday, that tenacity might come in handy. 

Juraj Kucka to score anytime @9.00 on Sky247.ng

Slovakia would likely be unable to achieve more than another 1-0 victory, as none of their front three are particularly prolific. Although Robert Bozenik is a competent targetman, he only scored one goal in qualifying. Schranz, the glory of Monday, did not score, and Lukas Haraslin secured the top score with only three strikes.

Nevertheless, their defense could be resolute once more. On Friday, David Hancko, in particular, was extraordinary against the Red Devils and could potentially frustrate Artem Dovbyk and his teammates.

Given Romania's defeat of Ukraine, the Falcons' midfielders' scoring chances are excessively high. Slovakia will probably attempt to score from distance against Andriy Lunin, as two of the Tricolors' three goals on Monday were scored outside the area. Slovakia's leading scorer is Juraj Kucka, who may attempt a few long-range shots on Friday. 

Elevate your betting experience with Sky247 Nigeria. Join now and discover a thrilling world of sports, live events, and exclusive bonuses. Bet with confidence on your favorite teams and games.