Dynamo prepares for revenge after 0-3 thrashing: Shakhtar — Dynamo Kyiv prediction
On November 8, Shakhtar will face Dynamo Kyiv in the headline clash of the 12th round of the Ukrainian Premier League. The Miners lead the table with 28 points, six clear of their arch-rivals. The Kyiv side will be determined to avenge their recent Ukrainian Cup defeat, while the Donetsk outfit will be looking to strengthen their grip on top spot.
Shakhtar: leading the UPL but struggling with finishing in Europe
Arda Turan’s team have been highly convincing in the Ukrainian league, collecting 28 points from 11 rounds. In their latest league match, the Miners defeated Obolon 2-0 thanks to a brace from Alisson. Their defence remains one of the team’s biggest strengths, with just five goals conceded. However, their results in the Champions League have taken a downturn. After a successful start, Shakhtar lost 1-0 to both Inter and Sporting, despite creating chances worth 1.96 xG against the Portuguese side.
For this crucial encounter, Turan is likely to field his strongest possible lineup. The international break will begin after the match, so there is no need to preserve the leaders’ energy. Isaque or Newerton could feature in the starting XI, although no major changes are expected. Due to injuries, Eguinaldo, Marlon and Pedrinho will miss out. The main attacking threat will come from Alisson, as well as the pacey Brazilian players capable of creating an advantage out wide.
Dynamo Kyiv: a coaching change and a desire for revenge
Maciej Kędziorek has overseen three matches in charge of the Kyiv side, recording two victories. After beating Kudrivka 3-1, Dynamo suffered a painful 3-0 defeat to Shakhtar in the Ukrainian Cup before responding with a 2-0 win over Kryvbas. Despite the improved results, there has been no significant progress in their overall play so far. Dynamo sit third with 22 points, meaning another defeat would seriously undermine their title challenge.
The Kyiv side head into the clash with several absentees. Andriy Yarmolenko, who recently scored his record 125th UPL goal, is suspended after being sent off against Kryvbas. Taras Mykhavko will also miss the match. Nazar Voloshyn and Aliu Thiare could replace them. Meanwhile, Kostyantyn Vivcharenko, Bohdan Redushko and Vitaliy Buyalskyi have returned to fitness. Denys Popov, Oleksii Sych and Vladyslav Kabaiev remain in the treatment room. The visitors’ advantage will be a full week of preparation without any European fixtures.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Shakhtar have lost just one of their last 13 matches against Dynamo
- The Miners have won the last three head-to-head meetings, with an aggregate goal difference of 8-2
- More than 2.5 goals were scored in six of the teams’ last seven matches
Can Dynamo avenge their cup thrashing?
Shakhtar look like the favourites thanks to their superior team play and attacking edge. Even though they have struggled to convert their chances in the Champions League, the Donetsk side regularly create opportunities and have been highly productive in the UPL.
Dynamo have had more time to recover and will surely aim to play with greater discipline. Shola Ogundana’s pace and Matvii Ponomarenko’s finishing could help the Kyiv side find the net. However, Shakhtar’s superiority in individual quality should prove decisive.
