Dynamo Kiev vs Stoke City

September 14, 2011
By: John Hansen

Dynamo Kiev have been in impressive form at the start of the season and the Ukrainians are now looking to continue the amazing run by beating Stoke. The Potters, too, are doing really well at the moment, with the home win over Liverpool likely to prove a major confidence boost, even if it was hardly a deserved one.

Seven straight victories

Dynamo Kiev have been regular in European competitions over the years and the Ukrainian giants tend to play a big role in every European campaign. Yuri Semin’s men have already made a big slip up this season, having missed out on the Champions League group stages after losing to Rubin in the final qualifying round, but the team have been thoroughly impressive before and after the two-leg tie against Rubin. Dynamo enjoyed a very good start to the season, beating fierce rivals Shakhtar in the Ukrainian Super Cup and recording few more domestic wins, but it looks as though the elimination from the Champions League served as a wake-up call for Yuri Semin’s men, seeing they won next six games in all competitions, scoring 15 and conceding just 2 goals in that period. Before beating Illychivets at home at the weekend, Dynamo had recorded a 4:0 win in Dnipropetrovsk, at the same ground where Fulham lost 1:0 earlier this summer, so there are no doubts that Stoke are in for a difficult task here. Valery Lobanovsky stadium is one of the most difficult grounds to play at in Europe, which is something the Potters will be able to experience at first hand.

Andrei Shevchenko is building his fitness after recovering from injury and he is already in contention for the starting places, while Roman Eremenko has been sold to Rubin Kazan.

Stoke still going strong

Stoke City are enjoying one of the best season starts in club’s history, having gone unbeaten in first nine games of the season, but that record will be put to the real test in Kiev. The Potters started the season early due to Europa League commitments, but easily managed to eliminate Hajduk Split and Thun to reach the group stages of the competition, while Tony Pulis’ men have been pretty impressive in English Premier League as well. starting draws against Chelsea and Norwich were followed by the away win over West Brom, while the latest win over Liverpool was completely undeserved as not only were the Potters completely outclassed by their opponents, but they also had a big help from the referees. Tony Pulis’ men now prepare for the difficult trip to Kiev and with games coming thick and fast, the gaffer is likely to make a number of changes to the starting line-up. Even if that weren’t the case, I don’t think the Potters would be able to match a very skilled side that is Dynamo.

Jonathan Woodgate and Wilson Palacios are definitely out, while boss Pulis is expected to rest several starters in Kiev.

Verdict

Dynamo Kiev have been in remarkable form over the last few weeks with their superior experience and technical skills likely to give the hosts an extra edge over Stoke. The Potters boast almost no experience in these kinds of games and with Tony Pulis likely to make several changes to the starting line-up, home win looks like a banker here.

Our prediction: Home win

Odds: 1.83 (5/6)

Bookmaker: 888Sport

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