Romania vs Ukraine Prediction: Dovbyk to announce himself on the Euros stage
Romania and Ukraine get their Euro 2024 campaigns underway against one another in this Group E clash which comes from the Allianz Arena on Monday (14:00, BBC One).
Both will think they are capable of getting out of this group that also features Belgium and Slovakia. Ukraine have some stars in their ranks who can be the difference in this contest, as well as their tournament campaign itself. Read on for my Romania vs Ukraine prediction, featuring match odds and team news.
Romania vs Ukraine Betting Tips
Romania are 3/1 to win this clash, which gives them an implied probability of 20%. Ukraine are valued at 19/20, giving them a 51.3% chance of victory. The draw can be backed at 5/2 (28.6%).
Both teams to score is marketed at 10/11 and over 2.5 goals is 11/10.
Team News
Romania have had trouble scoring goals this year so there is no standout figure to play the lone striker role in Edward Iordănescu's system, but Denis Alibec, George Puscas and Denis Dragus will all be eyeing up the spot on the team sheet.
Veterna goalkeeper Florin Nita could be given the nod to play in between the sticks as current number one, Horatiu Moldovan, has not featured for Atletico Madrid since joining them in January.
The first name on the team sheet is going to be captain Nicolae Stanciu in the middle of the park and he has 14 goals for his country to date. Winger Olimpiu Morutan has been ruled out of taking part in the Euros due to an ACL injury, presenting an opportunity for Parma stars Valentin Mihaila and Dennis Man.
Vitaliy Mykolenko is injured so Ukraine are without their first-choice left-back on Monday. This should see Oleksandr Zinchenko drop back from midfield to slot into the familiar position.
Mykhailo Mudryk is set to play out wide and Artem Dovbyk, La Liga's top goalscorer, is set to lead the line with a weight of expectation on his shoulders.
Ukraine to win to nil @ 2/1
There have been several teams dubbed as 'dark horses' for this tournament and Ukraine are one of them. There is something about them that makes me think they could be in for a fruitful summer, and I believe it is because they have an interesting attacking lineup.
Mudryk hasn't quite got going at Chelsea but he can certainly have an impact on this stage for his country. He should be aided by being able to provide service for Dovbyk, who has been one of the best forwards in Europe this season.
I think Romania's lack of a goal threat will prove to be an issue here and so I can see Ukraine getting off to the perfect start in Munich with three points, and I think they can keep a clean sheet in the process, too.
Artem Dovbyk anytime goalscorer @ 13/8
After claiming the prestigious Pichichi Trophy for his 24-goal with Girona in La Liga, all eyes are on Dovbyk for Ukraine this summer. He heads into the Euros full of confidence and he could be a genuine contender for the Golden Boot at this tournament should his side go far.
There is no player on both sides that I have more confidence in scoring in this match than him. The striker announced himself on the European club stage this year and I believe he can now do so on the international stage.
The Romanian defence are going to have a torrid time in trying to keep him quiet because he is so physical and always seems to find a way through. It's his tenacity as much as anything that will be a huge boost for Ukraine, and I fancy he will get his Euros campaign off to a strong start on Monday.
Ukraine to win 2-0 @ 8/1
If I had to pick a scoreline for this match then I would go with 2-0 to Ukraine. I think their squad is better than their opponents, particularly up front, and I expect that to be the difference in this contest.
Romania's goal struggles I can see continuing here but I also don't see Ukraine running away with the match, because I think it will take them a game or two to find their best rhythm.
Monday (17/06): Place an In-Play bet of £10 or more odds of 1/2+ on Romania v Ukraine or Belgium v Slovakia and get £5 in Free Bets to use In-Play on Austria v France.
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You can read all our latest Euro 2024 Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights content hub.
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