Grudge match as Shakhtar host Dynamo
The Ukrainian Premier League is in play-off swing and leaders Shakhtar face second-place Dynamo on Sunday. The Kiev giants have a lot of catching up to do, but do they have a chance to beat their rivals? Have a read of our preview here:
It’s just like watching Brazil…literally
The Brazilian embassy in the Ukraine must be a busy place during the transfer window, as must be the local passport office. Shakhtar are a side known for snapping up talented Brazilians and making them into stars.
They currently have a squad containing no less than 12 Brazilians, not including those granted Ukrainian nationality.
They have a production line that has seen them opening up a commanding lead at the top of the Premier League this season, currently sitting 13 points ahead of both Dynamo Kyiv and Zorya.
The first game since the league split in two saw Shakhtar fall to a shock 1-0 defeat at Zorya in front of an empty stadium due to the current global health crisis.
They will be looking to bounce back and key creator Taison, who has created a team-high 38 chances this season, will be vital in this grudge match as will top scorer Junior Moraes.
The 32-year-old has netted 21 times in all competitions and although he was born in Brazil, he has five international caps for the Ukraine and is a Shakhtar legend.
You’d expect them to win given their quality, but Dynamo are not to be underestimated.
Kiev playing catch up
Dynamo were once the powerhouse of Ukrainian football, but over the last decade or more, Shakhtar have become a more successful side.
Kiev last won the Premier League 2016 having been runners-up in each of the last two campaigns.
They have a lot of catching up to do this year and a frustrating draw against Desna hasn’t helped with Zorya going ahead of them on goal difference.
Their key players centre around the core of Viktor Tyshankov, top scorer with 11 goals in all competitions, Slovenian midfielder Benjamin Verbic and creative winger Carlos De Pena who is Uruguayan.
They have, as a team, created 186 chances this season in the league, nine more than Shakhtar despite scoring 14 less. It suggests they don’ have the clinical players needed to be serious contenders but they can certainly cause teams problems.
Shakhtar Donetsk v Dynamo Kiev betting tip
Both sides have a good defensive record and this game could be more like a jousting match with neither team willing to give any ground. With that in mind, we are backing this one to finish with under 2.5 goals at odds of 19/20 with bet365.
