Prediction: Stoke vs Dynamo Kiev

1st December 2011

One of the most exciting clashes in the fifth round of Europa League group stage will see high-flying Stoke play host to European giants Dynamo Kyiv. The Potters are currently three points clear of their next opponents, but still need one point from this match to go through, whereas Dynamo need a victory in order to keep their qualifying hopes alive.

Stoke City have been on the constant uptrend ever since they gained promotion to the Premier League few years back and they don’t look like stopping any time soon. While their solid Premiership showings are no longer a surprise, we can safely say that not even the most optimistic of fans could expect such a good run in one of Europe’s top competitions. Stoke not only qualified for the group stages with four straight victories, but then managed to pick up ten points from four games in one of the toughest Europa League groups, and are now very close to securing their place in the next stage. Unlike most other English sides, Tony Pulis has been fielding pretty strong sides in Europa League, but realizing that this is a unique opportunity to ensure qualification to the next stage, the gaffer has vowed to field his strongest possible line-up against Dynamo. That means that we are likely to see Peter Crouch, Jermaine Pennant and Matthew Etherington in the starting line-up, whereas Ricardo Fuller should also play a part after recovering from injury.

The Ukrainian giants have got a wealth of European experience, having played in top European competitions almost every single year during the last decade and they certainly have quality to reach the final stages of the Europa League. Dynamo’s European campaign hasn’t really started the way they expected, seeing that the Ukranians were eliminated from the Champions League by Rubin. Dynamo made it to Europa League group stages by beating Litex Lovech in two games, but they have failed to impress since. Opening draws against Stoke and Maccabi Tel Aviv were followed by a win and a defeat in two games with Besiktas, so they are now in a position to need a victory from Britannia Stadium in order to keep their qualifying hopes alive. Yuri Semin’s side enter this match in good spirits, after winning their last three league games, but they could find it hard to beat Stoke in England after failing to do so at home.

Conclusion

Dynamo arrive to Stoke on Trent looking for a valuable victory, but even though the Ukrainians are technically superior to their hosts, they are likely to struggle against the hard-working Potters. The hosts will base their game on set-pieces and physical approach and that kind of tactics should be enough to get one point and secure qualification.

Verdict: Draw (X)

Best Odds: 23/10

Bookmaker: Victor Chandler