Before becoming a Sports Journalist for Free Super Tips, Aaron spent three years studying Sports Journalism at the University of Sunderland while taking in the Black Cats' 'glory years' under Martin O'Neill. Now back in Northern Ireland he turns niche stats into predictions for FST, while he's one of the few people on this island who is equally comfortable at Windsor Park and the Aviva.
With England in with a chance of making the last four at Euro 2020, we’ve called upon Statman Dave to give us the full lowdown on Ukraine vs England this weekend.
The winner of this clash will meet the winner of Czech Republic vs Denmark at Wembley in midweek. But will that be the Three Lions, or are we bound for an upset?
Remember, if you’re looking for our betting tips make sure to head over to our Euro 2020 predictions page and get all the latest insight from FST’s experts.
Statman Dave’s Ukraine vs England preview
I’m beginning to think we may have been a bit harsh on Gareth Southgate…
Sure, England have been a difficult watch at the tournament so far but they’ve been an even tougher opponent. Kalvin Phillips has pressed more than any other player at the tournament, they haven’t conceded and the sharp off-ball movement in the final third has made sure that their relatively few chances are of a really high quality.
There has been a lot of frustration with Gareth Southgate’s reluctance to deploy a volume-creator in his frontline, with Jack Grealish and Jadon Sancho both seemingly seen as options off the bench at best, but the frontlines he has picked have been excellent at making sure those 2-3 openings really count.
It would make sense to bring in one of those playmakers, most likely Jadon Sancho, for this one given that England will spend a lot of time in the final third although I don’t think that’ll happen.
I do, however, think England will have too much quality for Andriy Shevchenko’s Ukraine – who have done well to reach this stage but have had some really poor periods in getting here.
I think there’s some good value in Harry Maguire to take 2+ shots: England should get plenty of corners and he seems to be the main target for those whilst Ukraine have won just 49% of their aerials in the competition.
Statman Dave’s best bet: England to win, to score 3+ goals and Harry Maguire to take 2+ shots
More betting tips:
27/1 Euro 2020 quarter-finals accumulator
Ukraine vs England market focus
Statman Dave’s Italy vs Belgium predictions
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