Ukraine locks horns with Northern Ireland in a Group C match of the Euro 2016 at the Stade de Lyon in Lyon on June 16. Both sides have lost their opening fixture and are in a sort of must-win situation. But Northern Ireland is more desperate of the two, as their last match is against Germany. If they do not win this match, they can almost book the flight back to home. Ukraine has a game against Poland. They will be eager to force a win; but a draw will not spell doom for them. Bookmakers see no hope in Northern Ireland. Bet365 offers a 6/1 odds for a Northern Ireland win.

Ukraine

Ukraine played better against Germany than the 2-0 score line of the defeat would suggest. They came close to scoring the equaliser and conceded the second goal only in the injury time. At times, they looked overawed by Germany’s reputation.

They will have no such problems against the Northern Irish team. If anything, they would feel a superiority complex only. A good thing for Ukraine is that Yevhen Konoplyanka and Andriy Yarmolenko are in top form. They will fancy their chances against the supposedly weak Northern Ireland defence.

Northern Ireland

Against Poland, Northern Ireland put all their eggs in one basket: midfield. Defence was a bit wayward, and there was virtually no attack. Manager Michael O'Neill could opt for a more attacking strategy, considering the situation they are in. Unless something spectacular happens from the combination of Kyle Lafferty and Steven Davis, there is not much to expect for the team.

Ukraine - Northern Ireland match facts

• Ukraine leads H2H stats 2-0. But the last two matches have been draws.
• All the players on both sides are fit.

Ukraine - Northern Ireland betting tips

The result is almost certain: an Ukrainian win.

Ukraine 1.65 @ bet365