Ukraine vs Northern Ireland – News and Probable Lineups

With both teams having four points from their first two matches in the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League, Ucrânia and Northern Irlanda are set to face off in Trnava, Eslováquia, on Friday night.

Northern Irlanda heads into this match after a goalless draw with Hungria, while Ucrânia also comes from a goalless draw, having faced Geórgia in their latest fixture.

Match overview

Ucrânia kicked off their 2026-27 Nations League campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory against Hungria on September 25 and subsequently drew 0-0 with Geórgia three days later.

Head coach Andrea Maldera’s squad currently ranks second in Group 2 of League B, marking their third consecutive Nations League campaign in this league, having previously played in League A in the 2020-21 season.

The Blue and Yellows have achieved 12 wins, five draws, and nine losses in their 26 Nations League matches so far. A win on Friday would significantly bolster their position in the group ahead of their final fixture in this international break against Hungria on October 5.

In their six previous encounters with Northern Irlanda, Ucrânia has won three, drawn two, and lost one.

The last clash between these two teams occurred in a friendly in June 2021, where Ucrânia secured a 1-0 victory against the Green and Whites.

Northern Irlanda’s sole victory over Ucrânia came in their last competitive meeting, a 2-0 win during the group phase of Euro 2016.

The visitors kicked off their 2026-27 Nations League journey with a 1-0 win against Geórgia, followed by a goalless draw with Hungria.

Accumulating four points from two fixtures has positioned Michael O’Neill’s squad at the top of Group 2 in League B, and they still have two more matches to play in this international window, one against Ucrânia and another at home against Geórgia on October 5.

Northern Irlanda has recorded five wins, seven draws, and twelve defeats across their 24 Nations League matches, marking their third stint in League B.

After stints in League C during the 2022-23 and 2024-25 seasons, they earned promotion and have made a solid start to this competition.

Ucrânia Nations League form:

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Ucrânia form (all competitions):

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Northern Irlanda Nations League form:

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Northern Irlanda form (all competitions):

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Team News

Ucrânia arrives at this fixture with a fully fit squad, facing no injury concerns or suspensions.

Forward Roman Yaremchuk, who has netted 18 goals for his nation, is anticipated to play a significant role in the attack for this Nations League encounter.

Danylo Sikan is likely to start alongside him in a front pairing, while Yehor Nazaryna may occupy a midfield position.

On the other hand, Northern Irlanda will be without Dan Ballard due to an injury sustained in their recent match against Geórgia.

It is quite possible that the visiting side will not make any changes from their previous outing against Hungria, which could include a central midfield spot for Shea Charles.

Jamie Donley, who has scored two goals in 12 appearances for Northern Irlanda, is anticipated to lead the line again for the Green and Whites.

Ucrânia probable starting XI:

Trubin; Bondar, Sarapii, Mykhavko; Zubkov, Pikhalionok, Nazaryna, Khlan, Mykhailichenko; Sikan, Yaremchuk

Northern Irlanda probable starting XI:

P Charles; Atcheson, McConville, Brown; Hume, Galbraith, S Charles, Devenny; Price, Donley, Kelly

We foresee Friday’s fixture being closely contested, considering both sides have shown commendable performances in the 2026-27 Nations League, and a low-scoring draw may be on the cards.