Shakhtar Donetsk and Dynamo Kiev Play the First Ukrainian Derby
Published July 22, 2017 by Florin P
Shakhtar Donetsk locks horns with Dynamo Kiev in the second round of the Ukrainian Premier League (5:30 p.m UK Time).
Shakhtar Donetsk has won the last edition of the Ukrainian Premier League with relative ease. Compared to previous seasons when they had battled through with Dynamo Kiev for most of the year, they had an easier task in 2017. A new season has started and the best Ukrainian teams will meet in the second round. The outcome of the match can give the winner a head start in a competition that promises to be tight.
Shakhtar Donetsk has Home Pitch Advantage
Dynamo Kiev made few changes to the starting formation during the season break. Over the last couple of years, the team has lacked serious incentives to acquire high profile players. Their Champions League performance was mediocre at best and the only challenge was to win the domestic championship. Last year should have served as a wake-up call, after finishing way behind their archrivals.
Shakhtar Donetsk will play in front of its fans once again, just as it did one week ago. They dominated the match in the Ukrainian Super Cup and won comfortably by two goals. Dynamo Kiev looks toothless on the road and it’s hard to believe that they will turn the ship around on such a short notice. The last time the two teams met with Shakhtar Donetsk as hosts in the Premier League, Dynamo lost badly.
Few Draws in Head-to-Head Games
For a high profile derby, matches between Shakhtar Donetsk and Dynamo Kiev have resulted in a surprisingly low number of draws. Just eight games ended undecided, with Shakhtar Donetsk winning 28 and a massive 17 matches at home. Under these circumstances, it comes as no surprise that bet365 Sports credits them with the first chance and offers even odds on their victory.
Given the few number of draws, even risk-averse punters should consider the possibility of betting on the home side. Dynamo Kiev won on a few occasions on the road and they are more likely to suffer a second defeat in less than 10 days after the Ukrainian Super Cup beating.
