The European Under-19 Championship is heating up, and one of the most anticipated matches is Northern Ireland U19s vs. Ukraine U19s.
As tournament hosts, Northern Ireland are looking to make a strong start, while Ukraine are eager to showcase their impressive form. Here’s an in-depth look at the prediction, team news, form, and more.
Match Preview
Northern Ireland U19s
Northern Ireland will make their second appearance at the Under-19 Euros, having secured automatic qualification as hosts.
Their only previous appearance was in 2005, where they finished bottom of their group.
They hope to fare better this time but face a tough challenge, having been winless in nine matches since defeating Moldova in September 2022.
They did manage to break a seven-game losing streak with two draws against Slovakia in recent friendlies.
Recent Form: LLLLDD
Ukraine U19s
Ukraine, on the other hand, are making their first appearance in the European Under-19 Championship since 2018.
They had a stellar qualifying campaign, topping their group without conceding a goal.
Ukraine have won their last four matches, scoring 12 goals and conceding none, making them a formidable opponent.
Recent Form: WLWWWW
Team News
Northern Ireland U19s
Northern Ireland will be without Brighton's Ruairi McConville and Leicester City's Ryan Donnell due to injuries.
Mason Munn is expected to start in goal, with a defensive lineup featuring Josh Briggs, Daithi McCallion, and Gallagher Lennon.
Reece Evans, who has scored three goals in seven appearances, is likely to lead the attack.
Ukraine U19s
Ukraine will field a strong team with key players like Vladyslav Krapyvstov in goal and a solid back four of Oleksiy Gusiev, Maksym Melnychenko, Taras Mykhavko, and Mykola Oharkov.
Borussia Dortmund's Danylo Krevsun will control the midfield alongside Ramik Hadzhyiev and Daniil Vashchenko.
Matviy Ponomarenko, who scored six times during the qualifiers, is their main goal threat.
Prediction
Considering their recent form and the quality of their squad, Ukraine are favoured to win this match.
Northern Ireland's recent struggles and Ukraine's dominant performances suggest a clear edge for the Ukrainian side.
Our Prediction: Northern Ireland U19s 0-2 Ukraine U19s
North. Ireland 
Ukraine 
