Ukrainian Euro Weekend: Tsygankov makes his comeback while Lunin gears up for Barcelona.
The champion discusses the upcoming matches featuring Ukrainian footballers and the potential for their participation in these games. Additionally, readers will learn where and when to watch these matches.
Dortmund Borussia – Bayer
Bundesliga, Round 16
January 10, 21:30, Setanta Sports
Artem Stepanov has yet to play a single minute for the Leverkusen club in the Bundesliga, but he has been included in his team's squad for the last 5 matches of the German championship. Of course, it’s unrealistic to expect a starting position when experienced Patrick Schick is scoring goals in abundance, as seen in the last game against Freiburg, but with Victor Bonifas currently sidelined, Stepanov is consistently closer to making an appearance on the field.
Dortmund has conceded in their last 5 matches, and it’s hard to call the "black and yellow" defense a strong point for the team. Therefore, both Bayer and the "Ukrainian Haaland," should he appear in the game, will certainly have chances to score.
Alaves – Girona
La Liga, Round 19
January 11, 15:00, MEGOGO
Victor Tsygankov is making his return. This is the rallying cry for Girona's next match in the Spanish league. The Ukrainian has not played since the end of November, and it's best for him to completely erase the first part of the 2024/25 season from memory. His stats in 10 matches with 1+1 in the "goal+assist" system are certainly not the numbers that please Victor, himself, or the fans of the Ukrainian national team.
The Catalans have a chance to close in on the European competition spot, with Girona only 2 points behind the 6th place based on lost points. However, Girona has only 1 win in their last 5 away matches, so an easy stroll for the "red and whites" is definitely not on the cards.
Bournemouth – West Bromwich
FA Cup, 1/32 Finals
January 11, 17:00, Setanta Sports Premium
While Illia Zabarnyi is on his way to a new club, his team may advance to the next round of the second most prestigious national tournament. Last season, the "Cherries" made it through 2 rounds of the competition, but this year's Bournemouth is a completely different team, and comparisons are not in favor of the current squad.
0Whether Zabarnyi will play is uncertain. There is no doubt that Andoni Iraola will be making rotations. However, even considering that the Ukrainian is undoubtedly a starting player, he is not among those who struggle with physical exertion, and he has already proven he is ready to play frequently.
Brentford – Plymouth
FA Cup, 1/32 Finals
January 11, 17:00
Since the beginning of the year, Yegor Yarmolyuk has played in 3 out of 4 matches in the FA Cup. Moreover, in every game he participated in, he was on the field from the first to the last whistle. Yarmolyuk has also been involved in the last 3 matches of the "Bees" in the Premier League.
It has become a tradition that cup matches in domestic competitions usually do not happen without Yarmolyuk. Thomas Frank likes to involve the closest reserves in such games or those players who are balancing between the starting lineup and the bench. Therefore, expecting Yarmolyuk's appearance is both possible and reasonable.
Arsenal – Manchester United
FA Cup, 1/32 Finals
January 12, 17:00, Setanta Sports
Alexander Zinchenko has found it challenging to get any playing minutes since the start of the season. In the previous FA Cup match, the Ukrainian played for 62 minutes, and in the Premier League, he last appeared on the first day of the new year, managing to run just a few times on the Brentford pitch.
1Whether Zinchenko will play against Manchester United remains a question. However, considering that the "Gunners" are not performing well in the Premier League, it’s easy to predict that Arteta may make significant changes to the lineup. In such a case, players from the closest reserve, including Zinchenko, are likely to get their playing minutes.
Bologna – Roma
Serie A, Round 20
January 12, 19:00, MEGOGO
Artem Dovbyk played impressively in the Roman derby, receiving high ratings from Italian media, and most importantly – positive feedback about his actions on the field in the official match and during training from Claudio Ranieri. However, in the next Serie A game, the Ukrainian needs to prove once again his right to be the main center forward for the "Wolves" and show what he can achieve in the challenging Italian league.
Under Thiago Motta, Bologna has been known for being a solid defensive wall. Today, however, the "rossoblu" are not as effective in their possession, but there is no lack of solidity in the defense of the former club of Giuseppe Signori. Whether Dovbyk can improve his stats against a team that is 5 points ahead of the club from the Eternal City will be revealed soon.
Real – Barcelona
Spanish Supercup, Final
January 12, 21:00, Setanta Sports
The real treat – the Spanish Clasico on the evening of the second weekend. What is most important for Ukrainian fans is that the clash between the two giants might not occur without a Ukrainian presence.
2Andriy Lunin did not play against Mallorca, and Carlo Ancelotti traditionally prefers Thibaut Courtois in the most important matches. However, in cup matches, Real often trusts those goalkeepers considered nominal No. 2. Therefore, Lunin has a chance to start against the "blaugranas" from the first minute and possibly lift another title above his head.