Ukraine vs Iceland Prediction, Odds and Betting Tips 26/03/2024

Odds via Tonybet

Ukraine vs Iceland	March 26, 2024, 2:45 PM EDT
Ukraine odds	-197
Iceland odds	+600
Draw	+330
Over\Under	2 +104/-122

Ukraine vs Iceland Shape of the Teams

Contrary to expectations, Iceland sent Israel back home with a 1-4 victory in a match that was played in Budapest due to the ongoing turmoil in Israel. The Israelis mysteriously decided to bench a few key players, resulting in a clear Viking statement that few had anticipated. But their opponent in the next round of the playoffs is of a much higher calibre.

Ukraine quietly passed the test against Bosnia & Herzegovina (2-1). The statement was precisely what one would have expected: a regular field day for Dovbyk and Yaremchuk, each finding the back of the net in the Euro playoff. Sudakov also had a notable performance as the creator of several major chances.

The game is set to be an interesting mix, with both teams famous for their mid-block tactics. However, Ukraine will be the favourite with a roster of high-quality players – a deciding factor in knock-out rounds.

The match will be played in a neutral venue in Wroclaw, Poland, as Ukraine cannot host the game due to the war that has ravaged the country since 2022.

This means there will be no home crowd advantage, but the Ukrainians have shown throughout the years that this is usually not a problem.

Without a doubt, they will be calm, knowing they enter the tie as favourites with more players playing in Europe’s elite leagues.

Ukraine vs Iceland Main Match Info

Date and Kickoff Time: Tuesday, March 26, 2:45 PM EDT
Stadium: Tarczynski Arena
Location: Wroclaw, Poland
Last match: Iceland vs Ukraine: 2-0 (September 5, 2017, European Qualifications)

Ukraine vs Iceland, Prediction, Odds

Pick: Ukraine to win
Odds: -197 (Tonybet)

Betting odds are often a great indicator of the general narrative around who is the favourite ahead of the game, and Iceland’s odds of +600 are telling.

This comes as no surprise. Although Iceland unexpectedly eliminated England at the 2016 EUROs, this Cinderella run is unlikely to happen again. The current crop so far confirms that it was a once-in-a-generation type of scenario instead of sustained success.

This means that the Ukrainian side will face a passive side that will allow the creative talents of Malinovskyi and Zinchenko to break through the Icelandic block. With Dovbyk likely to start again, goals should be called in sooner rather than later.

Though both teams prefer counter-attacking play, it is hard to see Iceland launch any successful counter-attacks in this clash, especially with the solid form of goalkeeper Lunin, who has proven to be a dependable figure for Real Madrid.

Ukraine vs Iceland Betting Tip

Pick: Ukraine to lead by 2 goals
Odds: +130 (Tonybet)

Surprisingly, the last three encounters haven’t swung in Ukraine’s favour. However, it should be noted that the last encounter dates back to 2017, in the pre-COVID era.

Since then, Ukrainian football has been on the rise, and this could be key to finally finding a Ukrainian victory. Despite the narrow 2-1 victory against Bosnia (less impressive than Iceland’s 1-4 win against Israel), Ukraine seems more apt toward a victory, especially with the Nordics playing away.

Mid-blocks that tend to be passive against their opponent eventually crumble under persistent pressure, and this is a likely scenario on Tuesday.

Iceland, wary of conceding spaces for Dovbyk’s exploitation, faces a catch-22: guarding the rear too closely might just play into Zinchenko’s hands, particularly if Sudakov echoes his performance that caught the Premier League’s eye.

Once again, it is all about how the midfield domination will be installed in the Ukrainian double-pivot, how long Ukraine will be able to maintain the pressure – and how passive Iceland will set up.

Disclaimer: Odds are accurate at the time of posting and subject to change. Please verify the latest odds on our platform before betting.