What better way is there to enjoy the first Ukrainian El Clasico of the season than to experience it live in the flesh from the Olympiyskyi stadium in Kyiv! 

Eagerly awaiting the fixtures to be released a few weeks ago, I decided that I would try to make the capital based leg of Dynamo v Shakhtar whenever that may be! Fortunately enough, the date of the game happened to fall on an early August weekend, so T-shirt weather was more or less guaranteed!

DAY ONE

This trip would be another solo endeavour as the majority of people I know don’t have the opportunities with work & personal lives to be as spontaneous! It all started nice and early, as per usual with flights to Ukraine on Wizz Air! As such it was ‘Luton calling!’ on four hours sleep!

I had a quick spot of breakfast, took the usual sticker, passport and beverage photo and was on my way to Kyiv Zhulyany! The first thing you have to do when you land is obviously buy yourself a SIM card. Unlimited data (for a month I think) is about £7. Instagram stories and twitter updates don’t make themselves! 

Uber is the way to go in this city especially if you already use it back in your own country. It’s a well known fact that you should never accept a ride from the cabbies outside! 

Zhulyany is fortunately located on the right side of Kyiv and is the smaller of the capital’s two international airports. As a result, it was a mere 20-25 minute journey to the hotel, on Taras Shevchenko Boulevard and that’s including the notorious traffic in town.

There was really no time to waste, dumped my bags off at the Hotel Express, more on that later, and headed straight to the Valery Lobanovskyi stadium to pick up my media accreditation within the hour slot announced by the club. On the way to the pick up spot I had a quick gander at the Dynamo trophy cabinet, which included the recently won Super Cup!

With the accreditation sorted, it was now time to get a bit of sightseeing in before meeting up with a few family friends in the evening! Having already been to Kyiv before, it was first time to visit a recently new landmark. A short walk away from the Lobanovskyi is the Friendship Arch. It’s a shame that the crack that has been added to it, is only artistic and that the soviet propaganda monument is still standing over the banks of the Dnipro. However, that’s not what I was there for. 

I had come to pay a visit to the newly installed Kyiv Pederstrian Bridge, linking that monument to St Volodymyr’s Hill! The views of the Dnipro, and the unfinished bridge in the distance were magnificent, amplified by the stunning weather. The glass viewing platforms were fortunately cordoned off and I have to admit, I wouldn’t stand on them if you paid me too.

Onwards to the St Volodymyr monument, here more photos were taken, featuring my sticker that mirrored the view. It was ridiculously hot at this stage and I have to admit, Ukrainian humidity at times does get quite unbearable. Sweat was certainly occuring. Next up it was down to Maidan for a bit of respite from the sun.

Globus, the underground shopping centre, played host to my first meal. Where else to start my Ukrainian culinary journey than McDonalds! The special Rye burger was obviously chosen to be taste tested and overall was quite pleasant. A rye bun, filled with a mushroom sauce, secret gherkins and two pork burger patties did the trick. However it was quite messy, so maybe not one to eat on the go! 

A bit of browsing in the shops followed, with nothing too interesting to note or buy. Popped back up to the surface to take some pics of Maidan before the dark clouds rolled in! Ukrainian weather really can go from one extreme to another, and this storm was something else. The rain and thunder started shelling it down. Even in the underpass, where most people were seeing the storm out, the rain was pelting it down the steps! 

At around this period, it was time to go and meet some friends. The first metro experience of the trip was as per usual, very stress free. Contactless and at 3p a single ride, you really can’t go wrong. As I ascended from the Olympiyskyi station, I was greeted with a rainbow. Kyiv doesn’t stop to amaze. Whilst waiting for my host for the evening, I squeezed in a few pics outside the stadium and got a souvenir paper ticket to the big game. For 2 quid, why wouldn’t you. An evening of catching up and dinner ended with a trip out to watch the Liverpool v Norwich game.

First we tried O’Briens but that place has fallen quite flat in recent times and was filled with a much older crowd. Instead we headed to the Golden Gate. Inside, we found out that we had stumbled upon the official Liverpool fan club in Kyiv. It was quite entertaining to hear the Eastern European accents sing the various scouse chants, especially their ‘Number one is Carragher etc’ rendition.

During the game, we got talking to an American former AP journalist who now writes for the Economist and Foreign Policy. It was really enjoyable to chat to him all about his reporting career from East Africa to Ukraine and his keen interest in football. Of course, the blog was introduced to yet another member of the international audience! 

The night ended with a walk back to the hotel which included avoiding a mentally ill, alcoholic tramp who was wielding a long wooden plank. 

DAY TWO: MATCHDAY ONE

Saturday was match day! The whole reason that this trip was organised was to see this game! After a bit of a lie in, it was down to Khreshchatyk, the Ukrainian Oxford street, to my friend Oleksandr Hlyvynskyy host a Ukrainian Strongman competition, which was taking place on the pedestrianised road outside the Kyiv Administration building. It was nice to catch up with Sashko briefly before he got back to work and to catch a glimpse of a one time World’s strongest man in Vasyl Virastyuk, who was officiating proceedings.

After a good two hours of spectating in midday sun, it was time for some brunch, and where else is easier to go to than Puzata Hata, everyone’s favourite ‘so shit it’s good’ buffet. After ordering way too much as usual and paying just £6 for the bill, it was time to meet up with another friend who was in town for the game and off we went to the Olympiyskyi!

It was already quite busy near the stadium as we searched for a bar that was showing the City v West Ham game. Unfortunately, we had no luck in finding a suitable one and resorted to a quick drink before we headed into the sporting complex. Here we parted ways, as I headed to the media zone. 

The pre match press room was largely underwhelming, with just a water machine available for refreshments. Stamford Bridge it isn’t. 

But it was still great to meet and catch up with some journalist friends from Tribuna; Iryna, Vlad, Dmytro and Mykyta. I was also really grateful to be provided with the opportunity to provide coverage of the game in English. The press seating area may be all the way up in the heavens but it provided a great vantage point of the action and of the Dynamo Ultras’ Tifo show, which was beach themed!

The game itself was an entertaining spectacle. Dynamo looked quite flat on the ball and were giving away numerous needless passes. Shakhtar looked threatening throughout the first half and were duly rewarded for their pressure when Junior Moraes flicked in a Solomon low cross. However, almost out of nowhere, after a spilled shot from Pyatov, Gerson Rodrigues’ head was first onto the stray rebound, and the forward had his first goal for the club on his full home debut.

During the half time break, it was time to walk round to sector 42 and finally meet Stas aka FreddyKiev on Instagram in person. The Dynamo diehard and I briefly chatted and we exchanged gifts before it was time to head back to the press box.

The second half continued to showcase Shakhtar’s dominance and their consistent threat aided by Dynamo’s lack of attempts at defending allowed Marlos to glide through the Kyiv defence before a deflected effort ended up squeezing into the bottom corner. It was 2-1 to Shakhtar and they gained the early advantage in the title race. However, the takeaways from the performance by Dynamo was that it did not provide too much hope for fans and media alike, ahead of their must win UCL qualifier versus Brugge on Tuesday!

Dynamo ended up drawing 3-3 and losing 4-3 on aggregate in the Tuesday game! It turns out the Saturday fixture was very much an ‘I was there’ moment for Khatskevich’s last UPL game in charge before he was sacked on Wednesday!

After the game it was back down to press area, to hear the post match press conferences. Khatskevich, was as usual, not giving too much useful insight away and just offered his usual assurances that the team will bounce back during the next game. Castro was happy with his sides performance but was concerned with Junior Moraes limping off during the game.

In the mixed zone, I waited with the Tribuna team for the chance to speak to a few of the passing players. None of the Dynamo players were in the mood for interviews and walked straight past the waiting journalists. Matvienko and Solomon gave a few comments to Kanal Futbol but that was all. An unsuccessful night in that respect, but sometimes that’s just the way it goes. It all depends on player moods. Conversation continued for a while as everyone collectively left the Olympiyskyi. The conclusion was that signs weren’t too optimistic for Tuesday.

The night ended relatively late, as a few drinks and chat wrapped the night up in Gorky bar before a late night walk through Taras Shevchenko park back to the hotel.

DAY THREE

Sunday began similarly to Saturday. A lie in was had as was a cold shower; because the Soviet feeling hotel was aiming to give me that authentic experience. The day’s excursion started with a short walk up to the golden domed churches in St Sophia and St Michael’s squares before a spot of a very unique lunch was experienced in Spotykach – The home of the new Kyiv regime. 

Borscht ice lolly, anyone? Well I decided to brave it. I have to say it tastes exactly as you would expect. The frozen sour cream at the tip of lolly was slightly excessive and Borscht cold just isn’t for me. Next course was some Holubtsi sushi. This one actually made sense. Holubtsi are a Ukrainian dish featuring rice or buckwheat wrapped in vine leaves or cabbage and sometimes with a meaty filling. This one came with chopsticks and tasted quite nice.

Then it was time for the main course. Blue and yellow varenyky (dumplings) arrived and the blue ones with a more salty cheese and dill filling tasted great. The yellow featuring just potato were a lot more doughy and bland. It was a real shame that there were no fried onions either. 

A less exotic passionfruit mousse type thing was had for dessert to complete the meal and the £20 bill (quite pricey for Kyiv) was largely deserving of the cost. 10/10 for the concept. 7/10 for overall food satisfaction.

Bill paid, I was off to Maidan station and on the blue line towards the northern end of the line – Heroyiv Dnipra (Heroes of the Dnipro). Like most end of the line stations in Kyiv, this was located in a largely residential area, surrounded by the usual soviet style apartment blocks, whilst the station was housed under a newly built shopping centre.

I embarked on the 15 minute walk to the stadium passing through a market; no fake rolexes to be seen, before seeing the stadium in the distance.

It was hot once again. It was about an hour and a half before kick off and bus loads of Kovalivka fans were already showing up outside the stadium gates. The 1,500 population Kyiv oblast village was continuing to shock! I shortly met up with the Kolos press Attache to pick up my accreditation before heading into the empty main stand, half an hour before the fans were let in.

I was surprised to see how seriously Kolos took to their marketing. All the stewards were wearing new Kovalivka branded, high vis vests and all the billboards were showing their appropriate sponsors.

As I took to my seat right at the back of the main stand with the other journalists and media, good friend, Tribuna’s Andriy Senkiv, arrived. He was shocked at the amount of people that Kolos had amassed at the stadium and the fact that the majority of them were supporting the village side.

He would later find out that Kolos not only bussed in people for free, both from Kovalivka and nearby areas (workers at the club owners agricultural plants) but also got their tickets for free on top. It seems that Kolos are quite proud of this fact as they ended up sharing the ‘expose’ on their social media. They should be commended for putting in so much effort even into the tiniest of the details.

The Obolon Arena, is quite nice as far as stadiums go. Clean enough toilets (bar the squat ones) – markedly better than the Olympiyskyi’s leaking and paperless offerings.

Whilst in the press seating, Dynamo keeper Denys Boyko turned up with suspended Dynamo loanee, Yevhen Smirnyi. He was swarmed by groups of children asking for selfies up until Kick off and at half time. 

Before the game started, it was time to give Kvass (a coke like fizzy drink made out of bread) a try after a number of years. It tasted surprisingly nice compared to how I remembered it! 

The match began in the early evening Kyiv sun and it was an end to end game to begin with. Kolos were taking it to Zorya and a number of counter attacking chances were scuppered at the final ball. Zorya then went on a break of their own and were awarded a free kick from around 30 yards out. Bohdan Lednev stepped up and smashed in an out-swinger that made it 1-0. 

Kolos were not down and out just yet and equalised shortly after thanks to a nice cutback allowing Kostyshyn to get his first ever UPL goal. Then came the killer blows.

Right on he stroke of half time, the ball was switched over to Kamenyuka on the right who headed it across the line for an easy tap in and a debut goal for Nazariy Rusyn. 

The second half started very much as the first ended. Rusyn began a run from around 40 yards out, charging in from the right. Using his strength and speed he was able to get to the byline and roll it across the six yard box for the onrushing Kabaev to convert. That goal killed the game and Zorya ended up 3-1 winners on the night.

Press conferences followed before it was time to go for a quick beer with Senkiv and Boris. Interesting conversations later, it was time to get on the metro back to the centre.

I don’t know what it is about Ukrainians and Sundays but Khreshchatyk was as busy as ever in the twilight. I popped into TSUM – the Selfridges equivalent to see what Dynamo merch, the New Balance store had on offer. Everything was largely overpriced, as to be expected. However, not even Nike or adidas would charge £95 for a windcheater! With my Dynamo training top in tow (a £40 setback), it was time to go back to the hotel for a relatively early night before the flight back to London the next day.

Check out came early. One last cold shower ended my stay at the three star Hotel Express on Taras Shevchenko Boulevard. An Uber back to Zhulyany was quick and simple, take me here and back over Boryspil any day of the week! Duty free was quite disappointing, a lot less Nemiroff flavours than Lviv’s Danylo Halytskyi but the airport food was top notch. No McDonald’s around but would highly recommend people try Varenyk Fly after passport control. The varenyky there were the best I had all weekend!

Until next time Kyiv! See you even more briefly in September! 

THE GAME THAT WILL DEFINE DYNAMO’S SEASON IS HERE!

Dynamo Kyiv host Club Brugge at the Olympiyskyi this evening in an all or nothing stakes match that requires the capital club to win by a two goal margin on the night!

The away leg showcased everything that has been wrong with Kyiv under the Khatskevich tenure. Aimless passes, method-less counter attacking and questionable defending. 

The line up for the first leg compounded the performance on the pitch. A host of usual starting XI players were left on the bench, only to be brought on to firefight in the second half. Last year’s player of the season, Tsyhankov, looked out of sorts and new signing Gerson Rodrigues was unable to carve out any clear cut chances.

Ultimately, it was Oleksandr Karavayev’s rash hacking down of a Brugge forward inside the box last week that cost Dynamo a draw. However, the problems stretch across the pitch and despite reassurances from both manager and players that we will see ‘a completely different side,’ it doesn’t bode well that a stronger line up still managed to lose to Shakhtar on the weekend. 

The side that Dynamo used against the Donetsk club is what many are expecting to see start the European tie with a few minor tweaks. Sydorchuk, Shepelev and Harmash are likely to retain their spots, with Verbic coming in for De Pena. 

Tsyhankov will be expected to be far more influential than his previous shifts and Gerson will be burdened with the solo centre forward role. On paper this looks like a side capable of overcoming Brugge, it will all depend on whether any coherent tactics are applied to it on the pitch!

Club Brugge know that an away goal should be enough to see them progress. Hence, it is highly important that Dynamo, not only get themselves back into the tie with a more clinical attacking performance but also that their defensive core remains organised throughout. The fact that Shakhtar were able to walk through their back line so easily on the weekend doesn’t bode too well.

Serious questions will be asked of Khatskevich and his training staff if Dynamo do reside themselves to another season of Europa League football. It may even force Ihor Surkis to part ways with the coach that he had given a two year contact extension to in the summer… but that is wishful thinking!

Regardless of the recent performances, the Olympiyskyi is expecting a healthy crowd to cheer the side on into the play off round. Let’s just hope that the white and blues can prove the doubters wrong and get through to the play off round whilst helping to uphold Ukraine’s slipping coefficient! 

THE UKRAINIAN FOOTBALL ROUND UP:

As one of the major European leagues, The English Premier League, kicks off its season this weekend, the newly rebranded FAVBET LIHA(Ukrainian Premier League) enters the third game week of proceedings!

Yes, you read that correctly, the UPL has a new sponsor and it is serial UPL club shirt feature bookmaker ‘Favorit Bet’ who have become the new name of Ukraine’s top flight! 

However, it is the updated UPL logo that has received a rather negative reception as well on social media, with many, including ourselves immediately seeing the similarities between this design and that of Bayern Munich’s crest! 

It will likely be a grower. Our initial thoughts are rather indifferent. The original ball in itself was quite boring, so a revamp is needed for that before any serious calls can be made regarding official league branding.

Moving away from the marketing sphere, Matchday 2was fairly routine, with no real shocks. Mariupol opened the weekend, preparing for their key Europa League qualifier in midweek, with a morale boosting 2-1 win over Oleksandriya. 

Last season’s 3^rd placed side lost their second game in a row but it really is too early to call as to whether Oleksandriya are regressing after overachieving last year or if they just haven’t hit full gear yet. We would like to think it is the latter, with the odds being stacked against them anyway in their first game versus Shakhtar.

Mariupol impressed with goals from Fomin and Vakula. Unfortunately, for their midweek fixture against AZ Alkmaar, their main goal outlet, Ruslan Fomin was unavailable and as such the result showed this weakness. Mariupol held their Dutch opponents to a goalless draw. However, Mariupol were resolute at the back with Rustam Khudzhamov securing his side a vital goalless draw at home, meaning any goals scored in Holland next week will be a huge advantage, with Alkmaar being shut out of any away goals.

Elsewhere, Desna made sure to put their opening day loss to FC Lviv behind them as they welcomed a Vorsklaside tipped to seriously struggle this season. The performances from both sides were as expected. Vorskla, were flat and unable to create any real openings, large in part to their lack of any goal scoring threat. Desna showcased a display that was reminiscent of many a game they played last season. The customary Denys Favorov goal opened the score line before Fillipov sealed the three points with a 2-0 win at the Gagarin stadium.

Dynamo visited Lviv for the second time in a week, to play the city’s other side, FC Lviv. Dynamo won the game with ease; Sydorchuk decided to embody Pirlo, with a commanding display in midfield and his assist, a lofted ball over the back line from near the half way line that allowed Buyalskyi to turn into RVP- lite and score a beautiful looping header. Buyalskyi added another and De Pena completed the 3-0 rout. 

However, whilst many would have expected this to be perfect preparation for Dynamo’s game versus Club Brugge in the Champions League qualifying. The line up was seriously uninspiring for a UCL game; Besiedin up top on his own, Harmash behind him and Karavayev playing on the wing instead of Tsyhankov. Khatskevich, once more highlighting that he is rather clueless when it comes to game management and has close to no footballing philosophy that he aims to instil in his players. ‘Pep he ain’t!’

The first half was a difficult watch, Club Brugge were nothing special but Dynamo were so uninspiring going forward that it never looked like they would get a shot in, let alone a goal. Besiedin squandered a huge opportunity, hitting it straight at Mignolet. Then just before half time, Karavayev’s UCL debut went from bad to worse as he aimlessly took out a Brugge player just inside the box and a stonewall penalty was awarded. Vanaken converted to make it 1-0. 

At half time, Khatskevich brought on new signing Gerson Rodrigues for his club debut in place of the negative impact force that was Besiedin. Tsyhankov was also drafted in for the sorry Karavayev. Dynamo looked markedly improved in the second half with Rodrigues looking lively, just giving a lot more energy compared to the tree stump that started the game.

Many on social media were quick to berate Rodrigues for looking slightly chaotic and technically inept; however, for a debut where you’re thrown upfront on your own and with a manager who doesn’t know how to coach, he did well and will likely improve as he beds in with the team. The game ended 1-0 and now its an all or nothing game next Wednesday at the Olympiyskyi. However, if last season’s must win second leg play off against Ajax is anything to go by, Dynamo fans wont be full of confidence. 

On Sunday, Kolos Kovalivka’s dream honeymoon period continued. They visited Olimpik Donetsk, who are our tips for the drop this season, and Kolos duly saw off their opponents. Olimpik’s new kit, featuring their new crest, brought no luck as Julio Cesar’s managerial career in Ukraine persists in matching low expectations. A penalty brought Kolos the 1-0 win that sees them maintain their 100% record.

Zorya Luhansk were provided with their first real challenge of the season as they welcomed Dnipro-1 to Zaporizhya. Dnipro-1 dominated the first half and were rightly rewarded with a goal on the stroke of half time. A wonderfully pinpoint and soon becoming a characteristically taken corner, from Serhiy Buletsa found the forehead of Ihor Kohut at the back post to head it past Mykyta Shevchenko. 

Zorya were evidently given a talking to by Skripnyk in the changing rooms, as they came out with a lot more intent. They began to turn the game in their favour and Kocherhin’s shot from the edge of the area found its way in. The game ended 1-1 and ended Skripnyk’s 100% record as Zorya manager. 

Zorya were in further action in midweek as they travelled to Bulgaria to face CSKA Sofia. The side was missing Hromov and it was evident with the lack of attacking prowess that was exhibited in the first half. Zorya went 1-0 down inside 15 minutes, but a Yurchenko penalty just before the half time whistle ensure the Luhansk side got their crucial away goal. 

Nazariy Rusyn, on loan from Dynamo, made his debut in the second half and looked lively. With Skripnyk in charge, we anticipate to see improvements in the loanee’s game. Zorya now need a goalless draw to see themselves through to the UEL play off rounds next week in Ukraine.

The final game of last weekend was played in Kharkiv. Shakhtar welcomed a Karpaty side, who have been unlucky with the fixture list early on this season. First Dynamo, then Shakhtar. Routinely, Shakhtar did not hesitate to comfortably secure a 3-0 victory over the visitors, but it is worthy to note that Karpaty look markedly improved from last season. Once the team get some more favourable fixtures, it’s likely that these improvements will become more obvious to see. Goals from Marlos, Junior Moraes and Alan Patrick rounded off the matchday and saw Shakhtar remain at the top of the table on goal difference. Nothing new to see there!

PREDICTION TIME

SATURDAY

DYNAMO KYIV V SHAKHTAR DONETSK

The weekend kicks off with the BIGGEST game of the UPL calendar! It’s the first (of many) El Clasicos this season in the league. Yes, these sides only met a mere two weekends ago in the Super Cup but now they will be battling for a different piece of silverware entirely.

Whereas the Super Cup was very much the sprint; this game comes at the very start of a bumper marathon!

Dynamo go into this fixture on the back of a very disappointing and flat performance in the Champions League qualifiers. With a 1-0 loss being taken back to the capital ahead of next week’s second leg at the Olympiyskiy, it is likely that the team’s true focus will be greater in regards to that tie rather than the derby! 

That being said, rather than an easy game versus one of the league’s minnows, this fixture could actually present the perfect preparation for Club Brugge. Shakhtar are definitely the best side in the league and such a high caliber of opponent, will in no doubt assist in letting Khatskevich play the starting XI that he intends to use in midweek, especially as up until now, his lineups so far this season have been considerably below full strength.

Over seventy minutes for Tsyhankov, Rodrigues and even Sol will do the players well, rather than just drafting them in on Wednesday. The result of this derby, even though it is still so early in the season, is likely to have larger implications in the title race as Shakhtar aim to grab a foothold domestically whilst their own European exploits are yet to begin. Shakhtar’s habit of not dropping points lower down the league is currently what edges them over Dynamo, so winning this fixture will if anything give them a further advantage.

Dynamo won the Super Cup, but in hardly a convincing fashion. As such, now that Luis Castro has had a few games to understand the UPL for what it is, his team will likely have drawn up a better game plan that eventually fell flat in Odesa a few weeks ago. 

They are likely to dominate the midfield, and with Taras Stepanenko marking his 30^thBirthday on Thursday, he will be looking to transfer this onto the pitch in terms of birthday luck! Some will call this bullshit, but football always works in mysterious ways when it comes to players reaching milestones.

Goals should be expected in this one. Dynamo have been light upfront so far, relying largely on Vitaliy Buyalskyi, but with Tsyhankov, Rodrigues, Verbic and Sol at Khatskevich disposal, Dynamo should at least trouble Pyatov on a number of occasions. 

Likewise, with Shakhtar, Moraes will be out to shock the Dynamo Ultras, who will be giving him a hostile reception as usual; whilst Marlos, Taison and Alan Patrick will be ready to contribute when called upon as well. This has the markings to be a good one, but in all likeliness that may be a bit much wishful thinking! 2-2

OLEKSANDRIYA V OLIMPIK DONETSK

It has been a disappointing start to the season for both of these teams. Oleksandriya should be the less worried of the two, having put in a decent first half performance versus Shakhtar, but were ultimately poor against Mariupol last time out. Blips happen. 

They host an Olimpik side, who have also lost their opening two games but look to be in a much more dangerous position than their hosts. Julio Cesar’s team, as mentioned last week, looks to already be following a similar trajectory as to that of Arsenal Kyiv. A number of consecutive losses before ultimately, the foreign and highly inexperienced manager packs his bags either through his own choice or due to an executive decision. The number of new signings and outgoings has seemed to unsettled the squad and in this instance, the manager doesn’t seem to have a plan in place that adequately addresses the strengths and weaknesses in the team. 

Oleksandriya are also waiting on some of their own new boys to fully integrate into the side, but in the large part, the core of the bronze medal winning side has remained the same. Oleksandriya playing at home and with an experienced manager in their dugout should get their first win of the season in this one. 2-0

VORSKLA POLTAVA V FC LVIV

Vorskla Poltava signed a Brazilian from FC Porto this week and that was very much the hype around the club’s media pages. However their own rather negative start to the start should not go amiss. Vorskla, as has been mentioned in these previews for almost 8 months, still do not have a forward and this will continue to hinder their results.

FC Lviv go to the Oleksiy Butovsky with a much more stable squad of players. The Brazilians populate most of the key areas bar defence, and the side boasts a number of influential players who can score goals. 

Bruno Duarte is still looking for his first of the season and has struggled to return to the heights of his UPL form during the start of last season. However, against a Vorskla side who currently look very uninspiring going forward and somewhat lackadaisical at the back, this could be Lviv’s for the taking. 0-1

SUNDAY

DNIPRO-1 V DESNA CHERNIHIV

Dnipro-1 face Desna in the first of Sunday’s games. Dnipro-1’s first few weeks in the top flight have lived up to expectation. Their positive results against Olimpik and Zorya, has seen them comfortably display all the markings of a top six UPL side. If they are to continue this push and maintain it, they will need to beat sides such as their opponents in this fixture, who are similarly sniffing around for place in the top half.

The youthful attack that Dnipro-1 possesses will improve game on game as the players gain further UPL, and in some cases first team, experience.

Kohut, who was tipped by many pundits as one to watch, got his first goal last week and with Buletsa contributing too, it looks like goals won’t be hard to come by for this side.

Desna, equally are not shy when it comes to scoring goals. They have danger men across the pitch and will be threatening at set pieces. One thing both sides aren’t the most pronounced at, is being solid at the back. If pressed enough, they’re both prone to capitulating.

Expecting goals in this one for certain and set pieces being an outlet for the majority of chances.2-1

KOLOS KOVALIVKA V ZORYA LUHANSK

How long can Kolos keep up their unbeatable form for? The small village side is certainly punching above its weight with the big boys. This fixture will be the first real test for the top flight novices as they face a regular top 4 contender in that of Zorya Luhansk.

Viktor Skripnyk’s men showed real resolve last week to comeback against Dnipro-1 and also got a good enough result in their midweek Europa League fixture.

This is a tie that many will expect to see the visitors conquer. However, with a resolute, well organised defence, and a healthy crowd expected at the Obolon Arena, many may come in for a shock.

This will be a tight encounter. Depending on whether Hromov returns to action, it wouldn’t be surprising to see this one end goalless. With distractions coming in the form of the Europa League, this could play well in favour of Kolos. 0-0

KARPATY LVIV V MARIUPOL

Karpaty’s season really starts, now! It may be Matchday 3 but with opening fixtures against Dynamo and Shakhtar for the Lviv side, it was always going to be difficult to pick up points against that top two. 

Despite losing those first couple of games, Oleksandr Chyzhevskyi’s men, including a whole host new recruits have looked A LOT better on the ball than they have had in previous seasons. A new forward has arrived from Brazil, Joao Diogo this week, so time will tell on his adaptation to the UPL. Karpaty should have a slight advantage in this one. They will be feeling a lot fresher. 

Mariupol, who secured a hard fought 0-0 versus AZ in the Europa on Thursday have the potential to suffer a UEL hangover. This is mainly in part due to the fact that it took 10 hours one way to travel to Odesa from Mariupol. With further travel to the other side of the country and the fact the return leg in AZ is so much more important; Oleksandr Babych has the potential to rest a few players. 

Karpaty to edge this one, exploiting the changes in Mariupol’s set up and lack of focus on the task at hand with distractions being caused by the fixture in midweek.    2-1

THE EUROPA LEAGUE EXCURSION CONTINUES FOR ZORYA, WITH A NEW CHALLENGE IN BULGARIA!

After beating Buducnost by a resounding scoreline in the last round, Zorya were rewarded with a tie against CSKA Sofia. Viktor Skripnyk, remains unbeaten at the helm in competitive games as his side came from behind on the weekend to draw with Dnipro-1. 

Promising signs were seen especially in the second half, when the Luhansk side were well and truly dominating. It bodes well for them, that squad morale is high and recent results have been overwhelmingly positive, even if the performances aren’t 100% there yet.

Zorya have taken a strong squad with them to the Bulgarian capital, but are missing their key man and prominent goalscorer, in Artem Hromov. It will instead fall upon the likes of creative midfielders Liedniev, Kocherhin (who scored on the weekend) and a returning Vladlen Yurchenko, who missed out last weeks 2nd round 2nd leg. 

One thing that is apparent is that goals are still relatively hard to come by, despite the progression in the team’s new attacking style under Skripnyk. Nazario Rusyn, who joined on loan is available and may even make his first appearance for the club. 

CSKA finished 2nd in the league last season but are far from anything too special. If Zorya are able to keep former Celtic and Charlton man, Tony Watt quiet and reduce the influence of former Plymouth Argyle midfielder Graham Carey, then they should expect to come back from Sofia with a positive result. 

A lot of Zorya’s team have Europa League experience and should be able to use that experience to better a side whose players, until recently, were mulling around in the lower tiers of English football. 

An away goal will be essential in this one, with Zorya’s hosts whilst inexperienced, largely unpredictable. Both Zorya’s season and Ukraine’s UEFA coefficient rankings depend on progression to that group stage!

MARIUPOL ENTER THE BOUT FOR A UEL GROUP STAGE SPOT TONIGHT!

After their attempts were cut short at this same stage last season, versus Bordeaux, Mariupol begin their European campaign with a tie against AZ Alkmaar!

Mariupol, have improved considerably since last July and with a 4th place finish the 18/19 league, the Seagulls will be more confident of getting at least a round further!

The key men that Mariupol will need to turn to are Vladyslav Vakula, who scored at the weekend and is a very tricky wide midfielder. He will be the main one tasked with creating chances for their lone striker, the veteran Ruslan Fomin. Fomin has also been in fine goalscoring form so far in the league with 2 in 2. 

It’s also expected that a few of the U20 World Cup winning loanees will play a part too. Maksym Chekh slotted into central midfield on the weekend with Oleksiy Kashchuk debuting off the bench.

Their opponents however are very much of the same calibre as Bordeaux were. AZ Alkmaar just kicked off their season at the weekend with a 4-0 drubbing of a newly promoted side but the extra competitive match Mariupol have should give them a slight edge in the match fitness stakes. 

Mariupol play the game at ‘home’ in Odesa due to the proximity of the frontline in the war with Russia to the Azov coast and the complications in travel that has arisen as a result of the former!

Mariupol along with Zorya, will be hoping to better Dynamo’s result and performance on Tuesday to ensure that Ukraine doesn’t have a disastrous week in Europe all round! 

Dynamo Kyiv begin their Champions League qualification in the 3rd round against Jupiler League runners up, Club Brugge, in Belgium!

After a largely positive start to the season, (in terms of results, maybe not performances yet) Dynamo Kyiv seem to be in rather good stead to face their opponents, on paper at least.

However, scratching beyond the surface, there are reasons to be cautious about Kyiv’s capabilities in the premier European competition. 

Firstly, their opponents should not be underestimated. They themselves are regular title challengers & have won more domestically in recent seasons than their visitors. 

They won 6-0 at the weekend in their 2nd league game and are sure to cause Dynamo some problems! They also boast Ukraine squad player, Eduard Sobol in their ranks and just yesterday signed Simon Mignolet.

Secondly, Dynamo’s opening results can be misleading. Their SuperCup victory whilst commendable, still exposed a lack of creativity and direction on the pitch, in a game that Shakhtar largely dominated. 

Also, their UPL matches v the two Lviv clubs, who are hardly the most formidable of opposition, have seen Tsyhankov start on the bench and Verbic go off injured. Granted, Verbic is back fit and the squad looks at full strength but will the team’s key men be at optimum fitness levels for this important tie?

It was refreshing to see Sol return on the weekend, hopefully he can play a bigger role tonight than a 10 minute cameo. Buyalskyi’s early season form has been electric, hopefully he can contribute tonight as well! Tsyhankov’s influence will also be important, as it is likely to be his first start of the season! 

However, the most exciting possibility is that of a debut for new Luxembourg signing, Gerson Rodrigues! He’s instilled an optimism amongst fans & media alike! It will now depend on how Khatskevich uses him, either as a wide player or as a number 10. At this moment in time it’s anyone’s guess!

Let’s hope Dynamo put the shift in and transfer their domestic form to the European stage and get a result in Brugge! It’s not only vital for the club to make the group stages after a long exodus but also for Ukrainian football and their coefficient this season! 

ДИНАМО ВПЕРЕД ⚪️🔵⚪️🔵⚪️🔵

THE UKRAINIAN FOOTBALL ROUND UP:

What a start to the season we have had so far! The UPL is well and truly BACK IN TOWN!

Over the past week, we have been gifted with some entertaining footballing spectacles and to think not one game ended in a draw!

The season kicked off with Zorya taking on Vorskla in Poltava. This fixture was given the Sunday lunchtime slot in order for Zorya to have enough time in between their Europa League 2^nd Qualifying round ties. 

Viktor Skripnyk’s men followed up their opening 3-1 win in Europe the week before, with a slender 1-0 victory against last season’s Best of the Rest (7^thplace) trophy holders, thanks to Bohdan Liednev’s early strike.

Skripnyk’s 100% competitive record remained in tact with two from two before the third victory came in, just a few days ago. It was another rather strained win beating Buducnost only 1-0 despite the visitors having nine men for over 50 minutes in the game.

Later that Sunday, the traditional season curtain raiser took to the stage. The ‘first’ Ukrainian El Clasico of the season got underway in a battle for the Super Cup! In what was an entertaining game, which Shakhtar largely dominated. 

In typical fashion, when the stakes are relatively low and mickey mouse trophies are up for grabs, do Dynamo get both luck on their side and start putting chances away. Kyiv went behind on the stroke of half time after some pinball in the box that Ismaily duly finished, before Dynamo astonishingly waived the pressure and turned the tie on its head in the second. 

Goals from Buyalskyi and Harmash (his teammates rather cringingly and 3 years late gave him a rendition of ‘Harmash is on fire’) sent their side up the steps to lift the first piece of silverware for the upcoming season. However, if omens are anything to go by; over 60% of the last 10 Super Cup winners have not won the following Championship… it doesn’t look too good for Dynamo! That brought an end to weekend action before action or more precisely ‘The UPL’ resumed in midweek to round off Matchday One. 

On Tuesday, Desna welcomed FC Lviv to Chernihiv. The hosts got off to a positive start with mega defender and captain Denys Favorov, once again showing how pivotal he is at both ends of the pitch. He got the opener. However, capitulation ensued in the second half and Brazilians (who else) Pernambuco and Leo Tavares were on hand to give Lviv an unlikely victory. A top six challenge has once again got off to a good start.

Elsewhere, at the Obolon Arena, Kolos entertained Mariupol in their historic, first ever UPL game. In what was quite a full main stand despite this not being a true home tie for the hosts (UPL regulation forbids stadiums under 5,000 in capacity – Kovalivka’s population is only 1500). 

They got off to a bad start as Mariupol came to ruin the party with an early Fomin goal to get the ball rolling. However, Dynamo loanee, Yevheniy Smyrnyi was on hand with a great finish to bring it level. It was then left to another goalscoring defender and captain Havrysh to get the winner and send Kolos ecstatic. A perfect start for the top flight newcomers. 

Onto Wednesday and this featured all the big names in action. Shakhtar managed to resuscitate themselves from a shock opening day defeat against Oleksdanriya and get new boss, Luis Castro, an all important first competitive win in charge against last season’s bronze medallists. 

Yuri Pankiv saved his 14^thcareer UPL penalty as he shut out Marlos, before new signing Tretyakov opened the scoring for the home side. Shakhtar woke up after half time and caught the Oleksandriya defence napping, as Bukhal scored an own goal before a slick passing move allowed Taison to get the second before Dentinho came off the bench to secure the three points in the dying embers.

Dnipro-1’s debut performance in the UPL was probably the most eye catching of the matchday. They beat Olimpik Donetsk 2-0 after two goals inside the opening ten minutes. On loan, U-20 World Cup winners, Serhiy Buletsa and Vladyslav Supryaha were pivotal, by scoring both goals with other youngsters Nazarenko and Kohut also impressing. This side is certainly top heavy in terms of attack and it will be interesting to see how they fare against a more effective forward line. Olimpik, as expected failed to impress and Julio Cesar’s men showcased why they are the favourites for the drop this season.

Finally, Dynamo got their league challenge underway in Lviv against Karpaty. In a game which had more excitement and entertainment off the pitch (the Karpaty Ultra’s pyro show) it was unsurprising that Dynamo won courtesy of an own goal and a penalty. 

Khatskevich’s men once more, failing to evoke any sense of game plan or collective direction. However, that didn’t come to hurt them on this occassion as Karpaty were just more inept. Maybe the massive squad exodus and the bargain bin ‘Fulham-esque’ transfer policy had something to do with it. No need to fear though Karpaty fans. Oleksandr ‘Phil Jones’ Kucher has signed to save the day! Noting quite like a 36-year-old centre back, whose reputation precedes him (mistakes, red cards and own goals galore incoming).

PREDICTION TIME

SATURDAY

MARIUPOL V OLEKSANDRIYA

Mariupol begin their Europa League qualifying campaign this midweek and as such will likely be prioritising those fixtures over the league, whilst they are still in the competition. However, Oleksandr Babych’s men will also be wanting to register some points on the board to prevent an early relegation looking situation. 

Vakula will be expected to pull the strings and create the chances for veteran Fomin. It is still uncertain whether the U20 World Cup loanees, that arrived from Shakhtar in the summer will feature anytime soon. As has been seen with Dnipro-1, these youngsters are capable of making an impact already despite their lack of top flight experience.

Likewise, Oleksandriya are able to focus solely on the league for the time being, with their own European campaign commencing in September. With a few of their new signings impressing last time out versus Shakhtar, it is the games like these that are must wins if Oleksandriya hope to replicate anything to close to their third placed finish of last year. 

Second half capitulation versus Shakhtar aside, Oleksandriya are still rather strong and organized defensively but time will tell whether a consistent goalscorer is amongst their ranks either in the form of their wide players or in new signing, Bezborodko, who started the last fixture on the bench. Will the forward be able to make an impact against one of his former clubs in Mariupol? This is likely to be a tight and cagey affair. Not too much in it.1-1

RESULT: TBC

DESNA CHERNIHIV V VORSKLA POLTAVA

After rather disappointing results in Matchday One for both of these sides, the teams will be raring to register their first points of the season. Desna were in the ascendency versus FC Lviv, before falling away in the second half, however they look to have recruited well in the summer and they should be given a bit of time to integrate everyone into the team. 

Goals can come from every area of the pitch, so there shouldn’t necessarily be worries on that front. However, defensively, there does seem to be a general lack of quality that ends up rearing its head from time to time. 

Fortunately for Desna, they face a hapless attacking outfit this weekend, in the form of Vorskla. Kolomoyets, still starts up front for the visitors, despite the fact that the one cap Ukraine international, only managed to find the back of the net twice in 33 appearances in the last campaign. 

There are serious questions being raised as to whether this Poltava side will ever recruit a forward or midfielder than can consistently contribute to both chance creation and goal scoring. Vorskla are and always have been a solid defensive outfit, however with a few retirees over the summer, it is not yet certain whether the disciplined backline and new first choice keeper are able to cope with the rigors of the UPL. 

Desna are more balanced across the pitch. Vorskla to shoot blanks once again.  2-0

RESULT: TBC

FC LVIV V DYNAMO KYIV

FC Lviv reminded everyone why and how they made it into the top 6 last season. They held off a Desna storm in Chernihiv and turned their fixture around in impressive fashion thanks to their Brazilian attacking contingent proving pivotal once again. The ‘Shakhtar of the West’ due to their South American recruitment drive, which has continued this summer, welcome Dynamo Kyiv. During their first season in the UPL, they proved to be somewhat of a bogey team for the capital side. 

Notoriously difficult to breakdown their Ukrainian core, Lviv shocked Dynamo in Kyiv with a win at the Olympiyskyi. In the other fixtures, they ended up losing narrowly in all three by a margin of just one goal. More of the same is expected in this one. Whilst FC Lviv are able to pull off a shock, the positive nature of Dynamo’s opening results, should be enough to signify that they have the ability to see of their hosts. However, it won’t be easy. 

Gerson Rodrigues, who signed for Dynamo on Friday, will not be ready to play a part in this game, with his debut on hold. Dynamo have a Champions League qualifier versus Club Brugge on Tuesday and as such may have their focus slightly obscured with that game taking greater priority. Dynamo to get the three points over the line. Just. However, don’t rule out a draw in this one. Would be a typical Khatskevich result. 0-1

RESULT: TBC

SUNDAY

OLIMPIK DONETSK V KOLOS KOVALIVKA

Kolos Kovalivka are well and truly in the honeymoon period since gaining promotion. Winning their debut UPL fixture and even thrashing a relatively strong Dynamo Kyiv side in pre season. This club really believe the UPL is their oyster at the moment. Representing the 1500 strong village of Kovalivka, the fact that they have even made it to the top flight should be looked at as a massive achievement in itself. Their summer signings have already made serious impacts, with Dynamo loanee Smyrnyi impressing. They have every opportunity to make it two wins from two in this fixture against a weak Olimpik side. 

The hosts have decided to take the unproven route of hiring a foreign coach, with no real pedigree in coaching. Arsenal Kyiv did the same last year by appointing Ravanelli, who was drafted in due to his name and history as a player overlooking his inexperience in management. That didn’t last long and it is likely this marriage between Julio Cesar and Olimpik won’t either. 

The side have retained a few of their key goal scorers from the last campaign in the form of the Pasich brothers and Matar Dieye and have brought in over ten new players, but this just seems to be another convoluted transfer policy. Integration will likely prove difficult and Julio Cesar’s language barrier will also be a hindrance to getting his ‘tactics,’ if he has any, across. 

Kovalivka have their obvious weaknesses but the unbeaten streak looks to continue against the side most heavily tipped to go down to the First League at the end of the season. 0-1

RESULT: TBC

SHAKHTAR DONETSK V KARPATY LVIV

Karpaty’s opening two fixtures have not been kind to them at all. After losing to last season’s runners up, Dynamo in the first gameweek, they travel to Kharkiv to face the Champions, Shakhtar. Their recent record against their Donbas opponents has not been great to say the least. The aggregate score line in the home and away legs of this fixture last season saw Shakhtar win 11 (ELEVEN) – 1. 

The omens are not good for the Lviv team. A lackluster performance versus Dynamo will be put into perspective today as they face a more pronounced and focused side, who are able to enact an attractive and at times devastating style of play. Goals will not come at a premium in this one. However, they will do if you play for Karpaty.

Shakhtar seem to still be in pre season gear in their first two competitive fixtures of the season. Luis Castro, has yet to adapt to the fact that he will be facing sides that are going to have 10 men behind the ball for the majority of games and as such, will need to work a solution for this. It’s unlikely this will be too much of a problem today as Karpaty are not the most organised team in the world and with a whole raft of new signings, cohesion and telepathy is something that they are surely yet to master.

Junior Moraes has been quiet so far, so expect him to get off the mark as is Marlos, who will be wanting to avenge his penalty miss versus Oleksandriya with some key contributions in this one. 4-0

RESULT: TBC

ZORYA LUHANSK V DNIPRO-1

This is an interesting fixture. It’s a showdown between our picks for third and fourth in the league come the end of the season. Both have had strong starts to their respective campaigns. Zorya, with their extra Europa League games, have the risk of experiencing a hangover. They have won all of their competitive games so far with Skripnyk at the helm but not in the most convincing of fashion. 

They welcome a Dnipro-1 side who will be invigorated and full of confidence after their opening victory. The attack that Dnipro-1 coach Mykhailenko has at his disposal is devastating. His wide players are electrically quick, and able to find that final ball for the forwards, who are game changers in themselves (Supryaha and Buletsa). 

Due to the focus on Europa League for the home side, with CSKA Sofia on the horizon, this may be where the unbeaten streak for Skripnyk comes to an end. Zorya may have been cruising 4-1 on aggregate, but they were unable to break down a poor Buducnost side who down to 9 men. 

Goals come at a premium with Zorya, who are heavily reliant on Hromov, with Ukraine’s U21 all time top goalscorer, Pylyp Budkivsky never living up to the hype. He’s now 28 and risks slipping down the route of a Kolomoyets. There won’t be a lot in this but Dnipro edge Zorya up top, so they’ll be the ones to take advantage when it comes to any defensive lapses in concentration, with Zorya’s motivation lying in gaining a Europa League group stage spot.   0-1

RESULT: TBC

Zorya Luhansk are in Europa League action once more tonight as they welcome FK Buducnost for the second leg of their second qualifying round!

The hosts go into the game in a fairly content mood, leading 3-1 on aggregate with three important away goals to their name. Confidence will be high among the camp, as the side matched last week’s victory in Montenegro with a 1-0 win in their UPL opener versus Vorskla!

The side’s new signings seem to be bedding in well under the Skripnyk rule. However, as has been a problem since Rafael Ratao left on loan, Pylyp Budkivskyi up top is not the free scoring forward that Zorya need to compliment their well structured midfield. 

Hromov is now the primary goal outlet in the side and it will rest on his shoulders to put this tie to bed once and for all after his double in the first leg.

Zorya were flying in the first half in Podgorica, with two quick goals inside 20 minutes. But then the side fell a bit flat in the second, where they were caught being a bit complacent at the back to allow their opponents score an avoidable goal. 

However much can be blamed on being still in pre season gear. With the league now having kicked off and regular competitive games occurring regularly, if Zorya get through this tie, they should be sharper come the later rounds!

Bohdan Liednev, who scored on the weekend, is the one to watch tonight. He’s a tricky and technical little wide player, with pace and a good dribbler. 

A crowd of over 6,000 is expected tonight, ‘thanks‘ to Serhiy Rafailov’s unconventional marketing techniques, anticipating a comprehensive victory over their Balkan visitors!

The 2019/20 UPL season is upon us!

Two newly promoted teams make their top flight debuts, in the form of Dnipro-1 and Kolos Kovalivka.

VAR will also be introduced to the UPL this year, as it is trialled at select games every matchday.

The league set up has also changed slightly. The division will still split into two after the home and away first cycle is complete. However, this season, only ONE side will be relegated from the top flight. This is in order to accommodate the two extra teams that will be promoted in addition to the Ukrainian First League Champions, who will take the UPL’s total club tally up to 14 in time for the start of the 20/21 season!

In addition to this, there will be Europa League play off for the Relegation Group this season as well. Enabling, the side finishing top of the bottom half of the table to be rewarded with something more fruitful than the Best of the Rest trophy!

The teams have also been preparing and many have had wholesale changes across the board during what has been a busy summer. So strap yourself in for what will no doubt be another whirlwind season in Ukraine’s Premier football competition.

THE CLUBS

Shakhtar Donetsk

Last season finish: Champions

New season outlook:

A new era begins for Shakhtar under Luis Castro, the freshly appointed former FC Porto and Vitoria Guimaraes manager. The Fonseca years brought about six out of six titles, and it is expected that the new Portuguese man in charge continues this trend for years to come. 

Shakhtar began their squad rebuilding project last season as they saw a number of Brazilian stalwarts leave with a more youthful batch coming in. As such, under their new coach, this trend has continued this pre season but to a less dramatic effect. 

Under 20 World Cup winners of this summer, Ukraine captain Valeriy Bondar and Ukraine’s top scorer Danylo Sikan have been promoted to the first team squad and judging by pre season, look to be squarely in Castro’s plans for the upcoming season. Other than these two, there haven’t been any big name signings for The Miners, as of yet, who expect a lot of last season’s incomings to step up to plate more prominently this time round.

With transfer rumours still rife regarding the futures of Junior Moraes and Ismaily, there certainly may be some reinforcements or replacements ahead of the window’s closure in a month and a half’s time, but as of now, Shakhtar look as strong as they did last season (for the domestic scene). If they continue their consistent style versus every club outside of Shakhtar, then it looks likely that this side will be at the very top once again at the end of May next year.

Transfers:

IN: 

Bondar < Promoted to First Team

Sikan < Promoted to First Team

Blanco Leshchuk < End of Loan

OUT:

Petryak > MOL Vidi

Ordets > Dinamo Moscow

Danchenko > Rubin Kazan

Zubkov > Ferencvaros (Loan)

Bondarenko > Vit. Guimaraes (Loan)

Wellington Nem > Fluminese (Loan)

Sobol > Club Brugge (Loan)

Player to watch:

Tete began to make his breakthrough towards the end of last season, as Paulo Fonseca began to juggle with injuries to key men and with the league all but secured. He showed why so many in his native Brazil rate him and why Shakhtar paid close to 10 million Euros for a player who had yet to play a senior side. Tete has got pace, an eye for goal and the vision to provide assists for team mates. As Marlos ages, Tete looks like a more than able protégé and may take some of the burden off the key man, now the Ukraine international is back from injury. 

Predicted finish 19/20: 1^st

Dynamo Kyiv

Last season finish: Runners Up

New season outlook:

Another season begins for Dynamo with the ‘legendary’ Khatskevich in charge. Over the summer, he signed a new 2-year contract to ensure his ‘stellar’ work was able to continue. There’s no doubt that Khatskevich can be commended for his introduction of countless academy players into what is now a very young squad. However, Dynamo’s clueless style of play, at time lack of direction and ability to struggle against some of the league’s lower sides during his tenure, opens questions as to whether these up and coming youth stars are on the right track of development under the Belarusian Lobanovskyi-ite. 

Their transfers have been limited and have raised eyebrows as to what their new recruits are needed for. Karavayev, who plays anywhere down the right hand side, may struggle for game time once Tsyhankov returns to full fitness and with U20 World Cup winner Tsitaishvili waiting in the wings. Tomasz Kedziora has also impressed at right back in recent seasons, so it is questionable as to whether this may be detrimental to the current Ukraine first choice RB’s career if he has been signed as a squad player in the mould of a James Milner type.

However, Kadiri does add depth to defensive midfield, an area in which Dynamo have do not look the strongest in. Sydorchuk and Shepelyev just don’t seem to be the most dynamic in this position, when it comes to the defensive work. Kadiri’s more defensive skillset, may help form a better cover for Dynamo’s defence.

With Shakhtar having a new manager, Dynamo should look to improve on last season and keep themselves in the title race by not dropping points against the lowly sides in the league. This is something that cost them gravely last time round. With Fran Sol, coming back from injury, he will be like a new signing for the Kyiv club; whilst academy players of the past will be coming into their second or third seasons within the senior set up, so their experience should see them in good stead for the upcoming campaign.

Despite a more than positive outlook and prospects in the form of players ‘to come good’, with Khatskevich there always seems to be a snag that always emerges at one stage or another. Never too far away from a few stupid results that end up turning detrimental once again.

Transfers:

IN: 

Karavayev < Zorya Luhansk

Kadiri < Austria Vienna 

Tsitaishvili < Promoted to First Team

Popov < Promoted to First Team

OUT:

Morozyuk > Rizespor

Rudko > Pafos

Supryaha > Dnipro – 1 (Loan)

Player to watch:

Fran Sol will feel like a brand new signing this season if he stays fit. Just three games into his Dynamo career last Spring, saw the Spaniard seriously injure his shoulder. Dynamo have been seriously lacking a goal scoring forward for a number of seasons now and it looked like they had found their missing jigsaw piece when Sol first arrived. He is now back and raring to go. Giroud-esque in his hold up playing style and poacher finishing techniques; much of Dynamo’s success will depend on whether he can score the goals at pivotal moments, when talisman Tsyhankov can’t. Golden boot challenger incoming.

Predicted finish 19/20: 2^nd

Dnipro – 1

Last season finish: UFL Champions

New season outlook:

Dmytro Mykhailenko’s men are very much seen as the MK Dons offering to 2015 Europa League finalists Dnipro (now folded for good). That side slid into the amateur league and has since vanished from existence due to lack of funding. Namely the funding that once bankrolled Dnipro (the city)’s premier club, now ‘supposedly’ secretly funds that of Dnipro-1. 

The new Dnipro detachment founded in 2017, acquired many of Dnipro’s players, their academy products and their stadium and have risen to the UPL in as many years as they have existed. They now enter the top flight with many tipping them to make the top six reasonably comfortably. A few Dnipro players who left the club as it descended down the leagues due to liquidation have returned to the city to ply their trade for the newer club. 

Former Ukraine U21 captain, Vakulko comes back from a spell in Serbia, as does U20 WC final star, Vladyslav Supryaha who links up with the club that he left last summer. Fellow U20 teammate Buletsa has also accompanied him on loan. Former Dnipro, Metalist and Vorskla man, Serhiy Kravchenko reappears in the UPL after two years of captaining the side in the lower echelons of the football ladder. 

With a mix of veteran UPL experience and the exuberant abundance of youth talent in the side, it looks like it could be a positive first season for Dnipro-1 in the Ukrainian top flight, something that will not be looked upon too favourably by Dnipro fans and their Ultras.

Transfers:

IN: 

Vakulko < Partizan Belgrade

Korkishko < Hatayspor

Kobakhidze < Vorskla

Kouzine < Obolon Brovary

Buletsa < Dynamo Kyiv (Loan)

Supryaha < Dynamo Kyiv (Loan)

OUT:

Brovcehnko > Obolon Brovary

Yavorksyi > Avanhard Kramatorsk

Chebotayev > Veres Rivne

Kozhushko > Kolos Kovalivka

Kuzyk > PAS Giannina (End of Loan)

Ochihava > Dynamo Kyiv (End of Loan)

Players to watch:

Serhiy Buletsa will have a lot to live up to in league football after the World Cup summer he has just had. Not yet deemed ready for Dynamo’s first team, this loan looks like the perfect opportunity to show Khatskevich exactly what he’s missing alongside some invaluable starting XI top flight experience. 

Serhiy has got supreme technical ability, he’s a goal scoring midfielder, whose eye for a pass is next to none, and his delivery from set pieces is beyond his years. The kid has got talent and as such, we expect him to have a massive breakthrough season this year and there’s nowhere better for him to flourish in a side with his international forward teammate.

Predicted finish 19/20: 3^rd 

Zorya Luhansk

Last season finish: 5^th

New season outlook:

A new dawn really does begin for the Zaporizhya based side, as Yuriy Vernydub’s departure brings an end to an era where Zorya progressed from a mid table club to one consistently challenging for a European spot. Under former Bundesliga manager Viktor Skripnyk, the Donbas side will be looking to bounce back after last season which saw them regress on their progress of seasons gone by. Having lost their best player and sole Ukraine national team representative in Karavayev they will need to look toward new heroes. 

The side boasts a heap of players under the age of 25 throughout the squad, and new coach Skripnyk is known for playing a style of flourishing attacking football, hence goals are sure to not be at a premium. Hromov seems to have regained full fitness after a bit part contribution last season, showing his prowess in front of goal in the midweek Europa League tie, scoring a brace. Defensive frailties are apparent with the veterans, below their best and the remainder lacking in first team experience, but with the front line being focused on so prevalently by Skripnyk’s style of play, it is anticipated that Zorya will score a lot more goals than they did last season, but equally may concede more. Europe will be Zorya’s main focus, at least for the first half of the season, with the disappointment of not reaching the group stages last time round, really dampening morale within the squad.

Transfers:

IN: 

Abu Hanna < FC Magdeburg

Ivanisenia < Dinamo Tbilisi

Yurchenko < Vejle BK

Vasilj < Nuremburg 

Mykhaylychenko < Dynamo Kyiv

Lazio < CA Itapemirim

OUT:

Karavayev > Dynamo Kyiv

Hordienko > FC Sheriff

Checher > Retired

Players to watch:

Vladlen Yurchenko returns to Ukraine after a lengthy spell in Germany and Denmark. The former Shakhtar youth product arrives aiming to instil some creativity at the tip of the midfield and to contribute the odd goal here and there as well. 

His main task will be to manufacture chances for his forward teammates in that across the box role, popularised by the likes of David Silva, unlocking defences from anywhere just outside or within the 18 yard box.

Predicted finish 19/20: 4^th

Oleksandriya

Last season finish: Bronze Medallists

New season outlook:

The unexpected third place finishers of last season will want to avoid the descent from grace of Vorskla, after their own bronze winning season and the chaos that Europa League football brought to their domestic game.

So far, despite their group stage qualification; the Kirovohrad oblast side have not gone crazy on recruitment. They have tied down Luchkevych, who was on loan since January to a permanent deal, whilst enlisting proven goalscorer Bezborodko to solve their issue of forwards being unable to find the net.

Yuriy Pankiv and the Oleksandriya back line were a key reason as to why Oleksandriya didn’t fall out of the top three for the entire campaign. As such, Miroshnichenko who has entertained Karpaty fans for years, has been drafted in to add depth, whilst former Ukraine U21 winger Tretyakov has been brought to add greater creativity to a side that lacks a consistent outlet for goals. Winning by the odd one has been very much the fashion for Volodmyr Sharan’s men. Primary focus will be on the Europa when it starts, but for the early months, Oleksandriya are expected to target another top half finish.

Transfers:

IN: 

Luchkevych < Standard Liege

Miroshnichenko < Karpaty Lviv

Bezborodko < Desna Chernihiv

Tretyakov < Dunjaska Streda (Loan)

OUT:

Ponomar > Volyn Lutsk

Dedechko > Ararat Yerevan

Polyarus > Khimki

Tsurikov > FK Jablonec

Hrytsuk > Free Agent

Kulach > Shakhtar (End of Loan)

Players to watch:

Denys Bezborodko will be expected to bring the goals to the party this season, after his performances for Desna, last time out. With wingers in the form of Luchkevych and Tretyakov and a midfield featuring Kovalets, the chances will certainly be on offer. 

Sitalo, who has been temperamental in his own goalscoring exploits, may relish in the pressure of having forward competition; bringing around a new level to Oleksandriya’s play – multiple goals per game! 

Predicted finish 19/20: 5th

Desna Chernihiv

Last season finish: 8th

New season outlook:

Desna were unlucky to crumble at the last hurdle last year, as they missed out on the Best of the Rest title. Being pipped by Vorskla for that and being edged out by FC Lviv in the race for the top six earlier that season, will have tarnished the memory of a fairly successful first campaign in the UPL. They never really flirted with any relegation danger, thanks to a versatile and contributing squad that provided goals and clean sheets from all across the park. 

They begin the season without their leading forward from last season, as Bezborodko ended his loan spell. Fortunately, as a few of their closest rivals have the distraction of European football to deal with for now, Desna have every chance to gain an early head start in the league by taking advantage of other sides being hungover from their European midweek exploits.

They have recruited well this summer, with one of the U20 World Cup winning squad’s star men, Konoplia, joining the northern Ukrainian side. In addition, they have added proven UPL forwards; Dehtaryov and Kuzyk to their forward line. The gaps left by Bezborodko and Serhiychuk should not be as detrimental as they look on paper. Overall, a top 6 finish is certainly in their mind-set and not out of reach, now that the squad has strengthened and gained experience from last season’s exploits.

Transfers:

IN: 

Pryndeta < SKA Khabarovsk

Dombrovskyi < Arsenal Kyiv

Kalitvintsev < Arsenal Kyiv

Konoplia < Shakhtar (Loan)

Zapadnya < Volyn Lutsk

Dehtaryov < Olimpik Donetsk

Kuzyk < PAS Giannina (Loan)

OUT:

Serhiychuk > Ventspils

Nemchainov > Rukh Lviv

Bezborodko > Shakhtar (End of Loan)

Partsvania > Free Agent

Players to watch:

Denys Favorov may not be a new signing but a lot will be reliant on him once more this season. The prolific goal-scoring fullback and club captain, will need to lead from the front, with a host of new signings joining and needing to integrate, alongside his own key game changing contributions that he will need to replicate. 

With further experience entering the club this summer, this should assist the defender, in shoring up his defensive line and still being able to go forward and remain as influential, up at the other end.

Predicted finish 19/20: 6th

Mariupol

Last season finish: 4^th

New season outlook:

Mariupol start another season, as the unofficial sister club of Shakhtar. Once again, their incomings are all from their fellow Donetsk club. However, they have picked up some new bright young players. Three U20 world cup winners join the Europa League group stage chasing squad; with Chekh, Kornienko and Kashchuk all linking up on the Azov coast. 

Having lost key men in Pikhalionok, Zubkov, Ihnatenko and Boryachuk, it is evident that Mariupol look set to start the season weaker than last year. They surprised a lot of people by finishing fourth ahead of Zorya and that overachievement may bring them back to Earth with a thump. Fomin, up top, is not as reliable as he used to be, with the pace of Boryachuk likely to be missed. Hence, a repeat of a top 4 four finish is unlikely.

Mariupol’s early season goals will be that of qualifying for the Europa League group stages and maintaining stability in the league. If they do make the Europa, it is possible that we may see some extra transfers incoming before the window closes.

Transfers:

IN: 

Chobotenko < Shakhtar

Topalov < Shakhtar (Loan)

Chekh < Shakhtar (Loan)

Kornienko < Shakhtar (Loan)

Kashchuk < Shakhtar (Loan)

OUT:

Demiri > MSK Zilina

Sikan > Shakhtar

Boryachuk > Shakhtar (End of Loan)

Ihnatenko > Shakhtar (End of Loan)

Pikhalionok > Shakhtar (End of Loan)

Zubkov > Shakhtar (End of Loan)

Players to watch:

All three U20 World cup winners will be hungry to impress and grasp their first taste of first team football in the top flight. Namely, Maskym Chekh is certainly one to keep a close eye on. 

Being formerly the Shakhtar youth team captain, scoring against Manchester City in the UEFA Youth League and playing a key role in the centre of Ukraine’s World Cup winning campaign; show that despite his young age, the player has certainly experienced a lot at youth level. 

He looks ready for the step up and being tipped as a future replacement for Taras Stepanenko, Mariupol will be the perfect place for him to learn the trade under Andriy Babych’s watchful eye.

Predicted finish 19/20: 7th

Vorskla Poltava

Last season finish: 7^th

New season outlook:

After the Europa League hangover bug finally decided to pass in late March and Early April, Vorskla’s season looked to be like quite the failure. Sachko, their manager had left, whilst Kosovsky was still waiting for everything to click. Once that came, the side battled its way to semi silverware – the Best of the Rest – Trophy of Prestige.

This season with no Europa League distraction, should spell a charge chasing down the top 6 and aiming for a personal spot in there, after bottling it last time round and allowing FC Lviv to pip you to the post. 

So far, no signings have been inbound, whilst a few well known names at the club have decided to move on. Veteran defender, Dallku called time on his career in Ukraine, Chyzhov retired, first team keeper Bohdan Shust decided to drop down a league and Sharpar, probably the highest profile name of those who left moved to Latvia! Who will score Vorskla’s penalties now?

One goal a season striker Kolomoets remains up top, with a replacement for Kulach (who left in February) yet to be found. Pavlo Rebenok is still knocking about on the wing aged 34, whilst other OAP’s such as Chesnakov and Sapai occupy the back line. The aging line up won’t improve as the season wares on. Likely to affect results. A respectable lower half finish as a result of a load of 0-0 and 1-1 draws!

Transfers:

IN: 

N/A

OUT:

Sharpar > Riga

Shust > Inhulets

Kobakhidze > Dnipro – 1

Mysyk > Rukh Lviv

Chyzhov > Retired

Dallku > Free Agent

Players to watch: 

Denys Vasin, on the wing looks to be the most likely outlet for any kind of creativity. He can score the odd goal and his delivery isn’t too bad either. It’s a shame the balls he will be playing in, still won’t end up in the back of the net. With Nicolas Careca moving on, Vorskla will need to get another striker that will help compliment Vasin before the season ends or it too could prove detrimental to their final finishing place.

Predicted finish 19/20: 8^th

Karpaty Lviv

Last season finish: 10th

New season outlook:

Karpaty were the only side from last season’s bottom three to survive and savour another season of premier quality football. They seemed to be relatively safe for most of the season, albeit in the relegation grouo, until the last few weeks, when they decided to regress entirely.

The squad had no cohesion and stalwarts of recent seasons were itching to move on. Maryan Shved made the move to Celtic, leaving Myakushko to carry the side into the final rounds of the league. Once Karpaty won their fiercely contested and fiery (literally) tempered derby relegation play off with Volyn, Myakushko also decided to try pastures new in Spain.

This season allows Karpaty to start afresh, with a whole new group of players and a new generation ready to get stuck in. The recruitment team’s scouting seems highly random in its judgement, bringing in a Finnish – Somali midfielder from Lazio, a Luxembourgish youngster who impressed for his national team and a journeyman defender who loves scoring goals!

Surely, what could go wrong! Expectations were rightly cut short after serious optimism was wrongly judged upon last season! As such not much is expected from the Lviv outfit this time round. A serious transition period has begun and everyone would be happy just to survive and fight another season!

Transfers:

IN: 

Pidkivka < Arsenal Kyiv

Prce < Omonia Nicosia

Vakulenko < Arsenal Kyiv

Kozak < Arsenal Kyiv

Martins < Pr. Niederkorn

Mohamed < Lazio (Loan)

Yakimets < Shakhtar (Loan)

Kudryk < Shakhtar (Loan)

Dubinchak < Dynamo Kyiv (Loan)

OUT:

Myakushko > Alcorcon

Nesterov > Mezokovesd

Penkov > Olimpik Donetsk

Debelko > Riga

Yoda > Racing Santander

Mehmeric > Desportivo Aves

Mirsohnichenko > Oleksandriya

Papa Gueye > Free Agent

Fedetskyi > Free Agent / Retired

Hongla > Granada (End of Loan)

De Camargo > Leganes (End of Loan)

Shved > Celtic

Players to watch:

Serhiy Vakulenko signs from Arsenal Kyiv and will be burdened with being one of the main goalscoring outlets the side will need to exploit if they will be wanting to secure any points. 

Able to convert from the spot and dangerous from set pieces, Vakulenko will also be asked to shore up what has been a problematic defence in season’s gone by. Can the Ukrainian Ramos help to calm down the last minute capitulations at the back. It’s unlikely if his last season with Arsenal Kyiv is anything to go by. 

It will be one of those rare occasions where a defender will look to contribute more to the team in the attacking final third than in his own position!

Predicted finish 19/20: 9th

FC Lviv

Last season finish: 6th

New season outlook:

Last year’s surprise overachievers, arrived early at the party but ended up drinking way too much during the first half of the night. For the remainder, they ended up sleeping on a sofa covered in their own sick. It doesn’t matter though as the record books will say that FC Lviv in their ‘debut’ (in their current form) season in the UPL ended in the top half of the table. This being despite the fact that wins and goals came at a massive premium once the league split into its traditional two halves.

Forward Bruno was electric during the first cycle of the league up until the winter break. He made a few more minor contributions once it resumed before becoming totally anonymous for the remainder of the competition. This impacted on Lviv a lot and had it not been for the split, the side would have ended up below both Vorskla and Desna in the table based on their points tally.

As such it’s difficult to say how the side will fare this time around. They have kept the majority of the side that did them well last time round, with a further influx of Brazilians incoming once more. The Shakhtar of the West will soon be a fully fledged nickname for Lviv’s ‘other club.’ 

With the foreign contingent spurring them on, combined with a sturdy and experienced defence that is known for conceding little as much as the forward line is renowned for scoring minimally. Adamyuk and Priymak should ensure that the club survive due to their defensive exploits.

Transfers:

IN: 

Bohunov < FK NFK

Bratkov < Maccabi Petah Tikvah

Kvasnyi < Prykarpattya

Araujo < Lokomotiv Kosice

Montezello < Lokomotiv Kosice

Welves < Lokomotiv Kosice

Renan Oliveira < San Gwann FC

Zubkov < Free Agent

OUT:

Paramonov > Kolos Kovalivka

Cadina > Ergotelis

Fatyeyev > Inhulets

Voronin > Chornomorets Odesa

Kaue > Palmeiras

Players to watch:

Volodymyr Adamyuk was everpresent last season and his influence was evident at the back. FC Lviv who took over from Veres last season, carried over one of the most seasoned and tough tackling defenders in the Ukrainian game at the moment. 

Adamyuk will once again be the player to watch out for on the teamsheet to know whether his side are on their way to a hiding. Considerably improved when he’s playing, the amalgamated Brazilo-Ukrainian back line will no doubt be stronger with Bandura in goal and Adamyuk in front of him.

Predicted finish 19/20: 10th

Kolos Kovalivka

Last season finish: UFL – 3^rd– Play Off Winners

New season outlook: 

These league debutants are certainly not here for a quick dance and then home. They are relishing their first endeavour in the top flight and the squad depth looks like it will serve them well throughout the season. 

Whilst their budget is certainly one of the lowest, their collective adrenaline and spirit this season, should be enough for them to stay in the league. Kostyshyn’s five-year tenure in charge will come as good respite for the squad when the going gets tough. He has been with them for a substantial chunk of their recent history and the small village club’s catapulting into the big time will be a highlight of the season, as shocks are almost guaranteed when discussing such an against all odds David, versus the goliaths of the top half of the table! Survival. Just! In the spirit of… but better than Blackpool’s Premier League season!

Transfers:

IN: 

Paramonov < FC Lviv 

Malyshkin < Dynamo Kyiv (Loan)

Smyrnyi < Dynamo Kyiv (Loan)

Demchenko < Avanhard Kramatorsk (Loan)

Kozhushko < Dnipro – 1 (Loan)

OUT:

Trietkov > Obolon Brovary

Players to watch:

Oleksandr Bondarenko had been Kolos’ top scorer for the past three seasons. Far from prolific, sharing the ‘most goals at the club award’ with a centre back, shows that improvements can be made. However, regardless of this, it is apparent that Kolos, who have been inspired by Leicester’s title win, can’t withhold their thoughts on Bondarenko becoming the next Jamie Vardy. 

That is where the comparison’s end; the Target Man will have a season to impress this season, as one of the few clubs likely to be in the relegation scrap, his squad’s depth has enough strikers in order to be able to make substitutions. A 10 goal a season striker is in there!

Predicted finish 19/20: 11th

Olimpik Donetsk

Last season finish: 9^th

New season outlook:

A new season calls for another new coach. This appointment stinks of Arsenal Kyiv’s optimistic attempts at stirring public reaction by hiring Fabrizio Ravanelli. Whilst Julio Cesar (not that one) is a lot less of a coup or marquee, the former Bolton player, will be wanting to change the fortunes of a now depleting club. Vyaheslav Shevchuk didn’t work out, so they may as well try another unknown ‘managerial’ entity. 

The toxicity that is Hai has gone out of the door, which may prove difficult for Olimpik, for whom he did play fairly consistently and remained an influence until his final game. Dehtaryov decided one season was enough and has also departed, meaning sole forward responsibility will rest upon Matar Dieye’s shoulders. 

A few Metalist Brazilians made the switch, hopefully players the coach will be quickly able to integrate whilst the remainder of the transfers do not stand out too greatly just yet.

A relegation battle will ensue and with such a lack of goals and no real structure at the back, the drop could be looming!

Transfers:

IN: 

Penkov < Karpaty Lviv

Fabinho < Metalist 1925

Trubochkin < Chornomorets

Luiz Fernando < Metalist 1925

Zaviyskyi < Mykolayiv

Abubakar < Free Agent

OUT:

Sondei > Mykolayiv

Dehtaryov > Desna

Vantukh > Dynamo Kyiv (End of Loan)

Hai > Free Agent

Players to watch:

If Matar Dieye stays at the club, then the forward may be the side’s best chance of staying up. His goals were pivotal last year in helping the Donetsk outfit escape the Relegation play offs at the very death. 

Having trialled at Dynamo earlier this summer, but not deemed good enough by Khatskevich, it will be down to Julio Cesar, to help maintain his star forward’s concentration and hope to hold onto the talent former Juventus man.

10 goals guaranteed if he does stay put for the entire season!

Predicted finish 19/20: 12^th