Betdistrict.com
A new look Ukraine team lead by the legendary Andriy Shevchenko will open up their World Cup 2018 qualifying campaign against the exciting Iceland, in Kiev.
After being arguably the worst side in Euro 2016, Ukraine hired their all time great striker, Andiy Shevchenko, as their manager. It won`t be an easy job for the ex AC Milan player, as he coaches a rather young team and the group is difficult, with the likes of Iceland, Turkey and Croatia all having hopes of qualification.
Iceland will look to continue the recent spell of success, now under manager Heimir Hallgrimsson, who was an assistant during the time when Lars Lagerback (now retired) reformed the team. After reaching the quarterfinals in Euro 2016, the visitors are now hoping for another historic run to qualify them for their first ever World Cup.
Bet on Ukraine – Iceland and claim your 100% (100 Eur) exclusive bonus at Ohmbet!Team news & lineups:
Ukraine has made some changes in their squad (not necessarily in the starting lineup), as they look to give youth a more important role in these qualifiers. Iceland has all key guys that were in Euro 2016 returning for this clash.
Ukraine: Pyatov – Fedetskiy, Rakitskiy, Kucher, Butko – Stepanenko, Rotan – Yarmolenko, Zinchenko, Konoplyanka – Zozulya
Iceland: Halldorsson – Saevarsson, Arnason, Sigurdsson, Skulason – Gudmundsson, Gunnarsson, Sigurdsson, Bjarnason – Sighortsson, Bodvarsson
Iceland are the real deal, their latest performances are not a fluke, as the squad is really good. The visitors have solid players which play well together, so I don`t understand why many people keep underestimating them. They definitely have a great chance here against a not so impressive Ukraine team. It`s safe to assume that Shevchenko’s first game in charge has more chances to be a failure than a success, as he has no managerial experience and it might take time for him and the team to click. Iceland has made a much more natural transition with Hallgrimsson taking over from Lagerback and they could be the more composed and better organized team in this match.
Even if home court advantage will be important here, as the Ukrainians always play well as hosts, I think that the visitors will match up well against Ukraine. The Ukrainians usually play a possession based passing game at home, but struggling to create too many chances. Iceland should feel very comfortable conceding possession, defending well and launching their trademark fast paced counters.
My tip is Iceland to cover the +0,75 asian handicap. I think Iceland deserve to be trusted and I expect them to leave Ukraine with a positive result. At the very least they should be right up there with the hosts and if they lose by one goal, we get half the stakes back on this bet. Prediction: Ukraine – Iceland 0-0.
Pick: Iceland (+0,75 Asian Handicap)
Odds: 1.81 @ Sbobet
Stake: 7
Possible profit: 5.67
Event date: 5 September
