Northern Ireland vs Ukraine prediction: expert analysis, possible lineups, November 14, 2026
The fifth round of Division B in the UEFA Nations League features a clash between the national teams of Northern Ireland and Ukraine on November 14, 2026. Both sides need a win.
Northern Ireland vs Ukraine: team and expert analysis
Northern Ireland battled for a place at the World Cup but lost 0-2 to their very first opponent, Italy, in the spring. They have looked good so far this autumn, though. Notably, both of their home games ended in goalless draws. On the road, they beat Georgia in September and then thrashed their current opponents at a neutral venue in October.
Ukraine also missed out on the World Cup, losing to Sweden in March. The coach changed after that, and with Maldera in charge they made a strong start to the Nations League despite personnel problems: a 1-0 win in Hungary and a 0-0 draw in Georgia. But they have since suffered back-to-back defeats.
Northern Ireland score only 0.8 goals per game, but concede even fewer—just 0.7. Tsyhankov and company have a negative goal ratio: one goal scored and 1.3 conceded.
Previous meetings: Northern Ireland vs Ukraine
The visitors still have more wins: three, compared with two defeats in seven head-to-head meetings.
Another Ukraine win is not out of the question. For now, though, we're taking the neutral option: "under 2.5 goals" (odds – 1.65).
Northern Ireland vs Ukraine: key stats and trends
- Northern Ireland are unbeaten in four straight matches
- Both teams have scored in 20% of Northern Ireland's matches, with an average of 1.5 goals per game
- Ukraine have lost their last two matches
- Both teams have scored in 30% of Ukraine's matches, with an average of 2.3 goals per game
Northern Ireland vs Ukraine: probable starting lineups
Northern Ireland play in a 1-3-4-2-1 formation (probable lineup): Pierce Charles — Acheson, McConville, Brown — Devlin, Shea Charles, Hume, Spencer — Morrison, Donley — Isaac Price
Ukraine play in a 1-4-4-2 formation (probable lineup): Trubin — Krupskyi, Zabarnyi, Matviienko, Mykolenko — Brazhko, Ocheretko — Tsyhankov, Yarmolenko, Sudakov — Dovbyk
Place your bets on the upcoming match and follow your team's position in the UEFA Nations League standings
