2026-2027 Nations League: Northern Ireland vs. Ukraine, Probable Lineups

Northern Ireland takes the field on Saturday, November 14, at Windsor Park in Belfast to defend its first-place position in Group B2 of the UEFA Nations League. Michael O’Neill’s team leads the standings with eight points, one more than Hungary, and is aiming for another win to go into the head-to-head matchup on the final matchday as group leaders. Ukraine, meanwhile, sits in third place with four points and cannot afford any more slip-ups, not least to avoid being caught by Georgia, which is in last place with two points.

Northern Ireland remains undefeated in the group and boasts a particularly solid defense, having conceded zero goals in the first four matchdays. The Northern Irish have secured two wins, both against Georgia (1-0) and Ukraine (3-0). It was during their away match in Trnava that Ciaron Brown scored a brace and Isaac Price added a header. The other two matches, played at home, ended in 0-0 draws against Hungary and Georgia.

For the match against Ukraine, O’Neill will have to deal with several absences: Dan Ballard, Eoin Toal, and Conor Bradley will not be available. In defense, the head coach is expected to rely once again on Atcheson, McConville, and Brown, sticking with a three-man backline.

Ukraine earned its points in the first two matchdays thanks to a 1-0 victory in Hungary and a scoreless draw in Georgia. Subsequently, however, the team led by Andrea Maldera suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat against Northern Ireland and lost 2-1 to Hungary, complicating their position in the standings.

The Ukrainians will also have to do without two key players: Viktor Tsygankov and Oleksandr Zinchenko. In midfield, Nazaryna and Sudakov could play on either side of Ocheretko and Yarmoliuk, while up front, the duo is expected to be Yaremchuk and Sikan.

Probable Lineups

Northern Ireland (3-4-2-1): Charles; Atcheson, McConville, Brown; Hume, Charles, Galbraith, Devenny; Kelly, Price; Donley.

Ukraine (4-4-2): Trubin; Krupskyi, Zabarnyi, Matvienko, Mykolenko; Nazaryna, Ocheretko, Yarmoliuk, Sudakov; Yaremchuk, Sikan.