Romania Under-21s and Ukraine Under-21s square off on Saturday having endured contrasting fortunes in their opening fixtures of Under-21 Euro 2023.
After Ukraine had impressively got the better of Croatia, co-hosts Romania were comprehensively beaten by Spain in Bucharest.
Match preview
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Having failed to win a fixture at this level since March 2022, Romania could have done without an opening match against a team of the calibre of Spain.
Keeping clean sheets in friendlies at home to Netherlands and Germany had provided Emil Sandoi's side with some belief that they could withstand the quality of their opponents' attack, and that was achieved for the opening 55 minutes.
However, Spain eventually overpowered the co-hosts, scoring two goals during a seven-minute spell before a third strike was netted during the closing minutes.
Ahead of likely needing to come through their next two fixtures with a minimum of four points, Romania have now gone four games without finding the back of the net.
Sandoi will hope that the home crowd can inspire his team to earn at least a share of the spoils, yet he is aware of the challenge that his side face in the form of a confident Ukraine.
Despite infrequent qualification for this tournament, Ukraine have put together an impressive set of results since the middle of October 2021, only losing away in Slovakia and Italy during that time.
The confidence of Ruslan Rotan's side shone through in their opening fixture as a goal in either half from Oleksiy Kashchuk and Danylo Sikan gave them all three points versus Croatia.
Although Mykhaylo Mudryk is at their disposal for this competition, the Chelsea winger did not need to be called upon, something that will only encourage Rotan ahead of attempting to seal their progress for the last eight.
Ukraine have scored in each of their most recent 16 fixtures at this level and there is every expectation that they will continue that streak on Saturday.
Team News
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Despite ultimately suffering a heavy defeat to Spain, Sandoi may be prepared to stick with the same defence and midfield that coped until the early stages of the second half.
Adrian Mazilu, at just 17 years of age, was given game time as a substitute, but the prospect may remain among the replacements rather than be introduced on the flank.
Andrei Borza, another 17-year-old who started on Wednesday, could be replaced by Valentin Ticu at left-back.
Meanwhile, Rotan may hand a start to Mudryk, with Maksym Bragaru expected to be dropped to the substitutes' bench.
With Kashchuk suffering a second-half injury versus Croatia, Bogdan Viunnyk is also in line to start in the final third.
Romania Under-21s possible starting lineup:
Popa; Pantea, Dican, Racovitan, Ticu; Isfan, Albu, Pitu; Munteanu, Birligea, Popescu
Ukraine Under-21s possible starting lineup:
Trubin; Sych, Taloverov, Batagov, Vivcharenko; Bondarenko, Brazhko, Kryskiv; Viunnyk, Sikan, Mudryk
We say: Romania Under-21s 1-2 Ukraine Under-21s
With Romania having played the group and, arguably, tournament favourites, they will feel that they can turn things around against Ukraine. However, Ukraine are full of confidence and have Mudryk at their disposal, leading us to predict a narrow win for a team who are effectively the visitors in this contest.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Darren Plant
Spain U21s
