Each day our exclusive MATCH OF THE DAQ service previews the big match of the day – usually a televised game.
As well as the preview we also bring you the head to head records of the two teams as well as a recommended bet on BETDAQ for the match.
Ukraine v France
International friendly
KO 20:00, ESPN
HEAD-TO-HEAD
(Max last 10 only)
21 Nov 2007 Continental qualifiers Ukraine 2-2 France
02 Jun 2007 Continental qualifiers France 2-0 Ukraine
06 Jun 2004 International friendly France 1-0 Ukraine
04 Sep 1999 Continental qualifiers Ukraine 0-0 France
27 Mar 1999 Continental qualifiers France 0-0 Ukraine
PREVIEW
Laurent Blanc will be looking for a positive response to a disappointing Euro 2012 qualifying draw in Belarus when they meet Ukraine tonight. France could only manage a 1-1 draw on Friday, although they remain top of Group D.
The manager attributed the poor performance to fatigue after a long season and another match only a few days later will hardly help. Les Bleus will likely rotate their starting XI for the clash in Donetsk, but those backing the visitors at around 2.91 will hope that Florent Malouda will feature at some point. The Chelsea winger was a constant threat against Belarus and scored the equaliser shortly after the French conceded an own goal.
Ukraine needed two second half goals to beat Uzbekistan, which also put an end to a run of six matches without a victory. The hosts were fortunate enough to only call on Andriy Voronin and Andriy Shevchenko after the break, so the pair will be well rested for this evening. Even at 34 years old, Shevchenko has an excellent record at international level with 45 goals in 101 appearances.
Although Les Bleus have a stronger squad, Blanc will be forced to ring the changes which will offer Ukraine a great opportunity for successive wins. With home advantage and a fresher squad, it’ll be worth backing the home nation to come out on top against a tiring French outfit.
RECOMMENDATION: (1-10 points)
Back Ukraine at around 2.75: 4 points
Sunday’s Return: -4.00 points
