Ukraine-France Statistical Preview

Probable Lineups

Team News

Ukraine

• Shakhtar teammates Olexandr Kucher and Yaroslav Rakitskiy are likely to vie for a place at centre-back, with the experienced former perhaps more likely to partner Khacheridi.
• The central midfield will be occupied by two of three from Tymoshchuk, Rotan and Stepanenko with Edmar and Garmash not in the squad.
• France will be well aware that Ukraine’s main attacking threats come from the flanks in the form of Konoplyanka and Yarmolenko.

France

• With no fresh injury concerns Didier Deschamps could name the side that picked up an impressive 3-0 win over Finland in their final group game.
• Despite a plethora of talent in the area it seems Blaise Matuidi and Paul Pogba are set as the favoured pairing in defensive midfield behind Mathieu Valbuena.
• Full-backs Debuchy and Evra are likely to get the nod over Sagna and Clichy respectively, with the main competition coming up front, where Karim Benzema has hit form to apply pressure on Olivier Giroud.

Prediction

• France will be favourites to progress over the two legs but know that they face a tough Ukraine side to break down, particularly on home soil, with the hosts having conceded just 4 goals in the group stages.
• Les Bleus have not struggled to find the net of late, however, netting 13 goals in their last three matches and their strength in depth looks very impressive.
• The visitors may be happy to return to France with a draw but they will hope to find the target at least once and get that often crucial away goal advantage.

Ukraine 1 - 1 France