Ukraine vs Northern Ireland Predictions

• Both of Ukraine’s Nations League games have finished with under 2.5 goals
• Northern Ireland have kept clean sheets in each of their opening two group matches
• Both teams have seen just one of their last five with over 2.5 goals

Tight contest expected in Ukraine

Ukraine and Northern Ireland have both made unbeaten starts to their Nations League campaigns, and another low-scoring encounter looks likely when the pair meet on Friday.

Ukraine opened their campaign with a 1-0 victory away to Hungary before being held to a goalless draw in Georgia on Monday. They are yet to concede in the competition, while both of their opening matches have produced fewer than three goals.

Northern Ireland have been just as impressive defensively. Michael O’Neill’s side began with a 1-0 victory in Georgia, thanks to a late winner, before playing out a 0-0 draw with Hungary at Windsor Park. That means they have also kept clean sheets in both Nations League fixtures.

With both teams showing plenty of defensive discipline and neither producing particularly high-scoring games so far, under 2.5 goals makes plenty of appeal.

Ukraine may possess the greater attacking quality and home advantage could prove decisive, but Northern Ireland have already shown they will be difficult to break down. A narrow 1-0 victory is the correct-score selection.