This Friday Slovakia and Ukraine go head-to-head having had contrasting outcomes in Matchday one.
Slovakia may have produced the shock of the tournament so far, but they will need to be on top form against a Ukrainian side who will now have a point to prove.
Group E has arguably produced the most unexpected results so far this tournament, so do not be surprised if it throws up yet another twist.
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Slovakia: Last Time Out
The Slovak’s were responsible for a shock upset by beating European giants Belgium. Ivan Schranz capitalised on a Red Devil's mistake as Slovakia took an early lead, which proved to be the difference due to a lack of cutting edge from their opponents.
But what impressed viewers the most about Slovakia was their ability to control the game which prevented Belgium from building any sense of rhythm. The midfield engine of Stanislav Lobotka was key to beating the Belgium press as the defence were calm on the ball and picked the right passes.
Some would argue that Slovakia rode their luck at times as Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku missed multiple big chances and VAR denied the attacker on two separate occasions. However, a combination of a composed backline and excellent goalkeeping from Martin Dubravka was worthy of three points alone.
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Ukraine: Last Time Out
The Ukraine manager Serhiy Rebrov was stunned as his side were on the end of a thrashing by the surprise package of Romania. A resolute Tricolorii defence frustrated Ukraine, who were on the receiving end of wonder goals as they fell to a 3-0 defeat.
The talismanic Artem Dovbyk was limited to a few half chances as Romania soaked up pressure and hurt Ukraine in transition. Rebrov will hope his side will be more patient as they continued to force their way into the Romanian box which, in turn, caused some sloppy mistakes.
Having come off the back of a dream season with Real Madrid, Andriy Lunin showed no sign of confidence as he gifted Romania possession for the first goal. Lunin’s uncertainty could be seen throughout as Romania continued to strike and succeed from distance.
Slovakia Vs Ukraine: How they will set up
Slovakia manager Francesco Calzona will be hoping for more of the same from his team despite the little rest between fixtures. Ondrej Duda was forced to leave the field last time out having suffered with cramp, but the veteran is expected to be fit.
The only other concern for Calzona will be their matchwinner Schranz, who is one yellow card away from suspension.
As for Ukraine, Rebrov will be wondering if to trust his favoured eleven who flopped against Romania or to look to the rest of his squad in what is believed to be a must win match.
Despite Lunin and Mykhailo Mudryk being notably poor in matchday one, they are expected to keep their place in the starting line-up. As for the likes of Yukhym Konoplya and Mykola Shaparenko, they are both vulnerable of being dropped.
Rebrov may also opt to change his formation as Roman Yaremchuk joined Dovbyk in attack in the later stages of the 3-0 defeat to Romania.
What to expect?
Ukraine are likely to start the match in a fierce fashion as they chase a result from the off in order to save their Euro campaign. Even without a win, Ukraine will not be fully eliminated from the tournament, but it would certainly be an uphill battle as they play Belgium in the final match of Group E.
Slovakia knows a win will automatically see them through to the Round of 16 but a draw would also be a valuable result in their bid to progress. However, Calzona will not let his team just sit in and play a defensive style, he will want to control the match against a shaken-up Ukraine side.
It would be of no surprise if both teams enjoy chances in an even match-up but, despite Ukraine's disparity, their quality is expected to be enough to salvage a result and their Euro 2024 campaign.
