The first match of the Nations League play-offs will be between Ukraine and Belgium on 20 March 2025 at 20:45 at the Estadio Enrique Roca in Murcia, Spain. The match is crucial for both teams as they aim to secure promotion to the top flight.
Team performance
Ukraine They finished second in Group 1 of Division B, earning a place in the play-offs. They won two, drew two and lost two of their six matches in the group stage, collecting eight points in total. In the final round, they defeated Albania 2–1 away, with Oleksandr Zinchenko and Roman Yaremchuk scoring.
Belgium They finished third in Group 2 of Division A, which means they will now have to fight to avoid relegation. They won just one of their six group matches, drawing two and losing three, earning five points. Their only win came against Israel, while they lost to France and Italy.
Important missing items
Ukraine The squad will be without Maksym Talovierov, who has returned to England with a knee injury. In addition, Mykhaylo Mudryk, who has started the last five matches, is currently suspended after testing positive for meldonium.
Belgium Ameen Al-Dakhil and Michy Batshuayi have been given fresh call-ups as Malick Fofana and Arthur Theate are set to miss the first match through injury. Al-Dakhil, a 22-year-old centre-back, has six caps for the national team, while Batshuayi, 32, has been a member of the national team for ten years.
Tactical analysis
Ukraine is expected to use a 4-3-3 formation. Andriy Lunin could be in goal, while Oleksandr Karavaev, Illia Zabarnyi, Mykola Matvienko and Vitaliy Mykolenko could play in defense. Oleksandr Zinchenko could control the game in midfield, with Taras Stepanenko and Ruslan Malinovskyi helping to build the attack. Viktor Tsygankov, Roman Yaremchuk and Andriy Yarmolenko could play in the attack.
Belgium Under new manager Rudi Garcia, they could also play in a 4-3-3 formation. Thibaut Courtois will be in goal, with Timothy Castagne, Wout Faes, Jan Vertonghen and Arthur Theate in defence. Youri Tielemans, Amadou Onana and Kevin De Bruyne could form the midfield trio. Leandro Trossard, Romelu Lukaku and Jeremy Doku could start in attack.
Weather conditions
The weather in Murcia during the match is expected to be pleasant, with temperatures between 15-18°C and minimal chance of precipitation. Wind speeds will be low, so the weather will not significantly affect the game.
Tipmix tips
The stakes are high for both teams, so we can expect a tense and balanced match. The following betting options are worth considering:
Goals under 3.5: Due to the size of the stakes, both teams may play more cautiously, which may result in fewer goals.
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