Dynamo Kiev vs Braga

April 6, 2011
By: John Hansen

After eliminating Besiktas and Manchester City, Dynamo Kiev have got to be considered favourites to go through to the semi-finals, even if Braga eliminated Liverpool to reach this stage. The Ukrainians boast a wealth of experience in European competitions and they should be able to continue the very successful Europa League campaign.

Dynamo Kiev return to winning ways

Dynamo Kiev have established themselves as a real force in European football and they have been regular in top European competitions over the last few years. The club owners have managed to keep hold of their key players, while adding few more very good footballers in the summer and Dynamo again play an important part in Europe. Yuri Semin’s men hammered Besiktas 8:1 on aggregate before eliminating start-studded Manchester City side, so it is highly unlikely that Braga will fare any better than their last two opponents. Dynamo have won all four home games in 2011, without conceding a single goal in the process, which just goes to show that Braga will be in for a difficult task in Ukraine. Boss Semin managed to rest several starters in the 3:0 victory over Kryvbas and he will be able to field a very strong side.

Ayila Yusuf is suspended after picking up two yellow cards, while Milos Ninkovic misses out through knee injury. Oleksandr Aliyev is ineligible.

Braga eliminated Liverpool

Sporting Braga have continued their uptrend this season, with Domingos Paciencia’s side displaying some pretty good football this term. The Portuguese side almost managed to progress from the Champions League group that also consisted of Arsenal, Shakhtar and Partizan, although their performances in the group stage were far from impressive. They then eliminated Lech Poznan in the first knockout stage of the Europa League before taking advantage of Liverpool’s preoccupation with the Premier League to reach the quarter-finals. However, they are now set to face a very good side that not only have a wealth of European experience but are fully focused on the competition, so it is easy to conclude that the Portuguese don’t have much to hope for before the trip to Ukraine.

First choice defenders Alberto Rodriguez and Uwa Echiejile miss out through injury, which only adds to the problems.

Verdict

Dynamo Kiev have proved their credentials in convincing victories over Besiktas and Manchester City, and everything suggests their superior quality as well as European experience will help them win this game as well. Braga have done well so far, but Dynamo should prove too much for them.

Our prediction: Dynamo to win with -0.75 Asian handicap

Odds: 1.84 (21/25)

Bookmaker: 188BET

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