The UPL newcomers face their biggest test yet: Bukovyna vs Dynamo prediction
Bukovyna Chernivtsi
The fourth-round Ukrainian Premier League match between Bukovyna and Dynamo Kyiv will take place on 31 August at the Tonkocheiev City Stadium in Kamianets-Podilskyi. The Chernivtsi side are still without a win or a goal in the UPL, while Dynamo have won both of their league matches and will look to bounce back from their European disappointments.
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Bukovyna: plenty of chances, but still no goals
After returning to the top flight following a 32-year absence, Serhiy Shyshchenko's side have collected two points from three matches. Bukovyna drew 0-0 with both LNZ and Obolon, registering 26 shots to six and winning the shots-on-target count 9-1 in the second game, before losing 3-0 to Karpaty.
The problem so far has been finishing rather than a lack of dangerous attacks. That was also confirmed in the Ukrainian Cup, where Bukovyna fielded their strongest line-up and thrashed Nyva Ternopil 4-0 to end their goal drought.
Dynamo: perfect in the UPL, disappointing in Europe
Ihor Kostiuk's side have won both of their opening league matches by the same 2-1 scoreline, first against Veres and then against Kolos. However, their European campaign ended in disappointment: after being eliminated by PAOK in the Europa League, Dynamo failed to get past Qarabag in Conference League qualifying, winning 1-0 at home before losing the return leg 2-0.
Those results have significantly increased the pressure on the coaching staff, meaning another domestic setback would be particularly painful. There have also been changes to the squad: Vladyslav Blanuta has left the club, while the management continue to look for reinforcements in attack.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Bukovyna have yet to score in the UPL and have collected two points from three matches.
- Dynamo have won both of their opening league matches 2-1.
- Dynamo won the last two head-to-head meetings in the Ukrainian Cup 3-0 and 4-1.
The hosts could finally open their scoring account: Bukovyna vs Dynamo prediction
Bukovyna's lack of goals is somewhat misleading: the team regularly create chances and demonstrated that particularly clearly against Obolon. With Dynamo's defence far from perfect, the league newcomers have a genuine chance of scoring their first goal of the campaign.
However, keeping Dynamo's attack quiet for the entire match will be a much more difficult task for the hosts. The Kyiv side have already scored twice in both of their UPL fixtures, so both teams to score looks like the most appealing option.
