THE FINAL CURTAIN: UPL MATCHDAY PREDICTOR 32 2018/19

THE FINAL CURTAIN: MATCHDAY 32
THE UKRAINIAN FOOTBALL ROUND UP:
The End of the UPL season is upon us!
It ends in a subdued note being played out midweek, with the Championship Group all more or less wrapped up whilst the Relegation Group could conclude in a number of ways!
Gameweek 31 did give us some more decisive results but the bottom half of the table remains poised to remain interesting until the very end
Saturday’s action saw Karpaty host Olimpik. In what was another classic game between the two sides, the game ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw, all but sealing Olimpik’s UPL status for another season. Karpaty blew a 3-1 lead and likely will need play off victories to live to fight another day at Ukrainian football’s top table.
Desna resigned Arsenal to finishing definitively within any of the relegation places, whilst they themselves moved back level on points with top of the bottom Vorskla. Arsenal actually dropped to the football of the table, as Vorskla were on the receiving end of an embarrassing 3-1 defeat at home at the hands of a battling Chornomorets. Arsenal now look favourites to go down automatically, as their fate is no longer in their own hands but depends on the way their direct league rivals Odesa fare.
In the Championship Group, Shakhtar let their bench players run riot as they obliterated a sorry Mariupol 4-0, whilst Dynamo Kyiv debuted their new ‘ode to Lobanovsky’ home kit with a nervy win over FC Lviv in the capital. Oleksandriya already home and dry with their goals for the season (over)achieved, they too allowed their second string players have a run out. Unfortunately for them, their opponents were in no haste to rest as Zorya Luhansk looked to secure 4thspot. With a 3-1 victory, they have done all but that. 
PREDICTOR TIME
A correct result (WIN / DRAW/ DEFEAT) is worth 10 points. The exact score earns an extra 40 points.
WEDNESDAY
Arsenal Kyiv v Karpaty Lviv
Todos’ prediction:Europa League Final? No way, the real Arsenal are trying to stave off relegation. 
This game is a must win for Arsenal. More so knowing that they Chornomorets are in action elsewhere. Karpaty are more than resigned to the Relegation play offs; a likely match up with Volyn Lutsk in the offing. 
Arsenal who narrowly lost on the weekend will need to call up all of their young talent to push this one over the line. Even then it may not be enough. Expecting some goals. 2-1
RESULT: TBC

Chornomorets Odesa v Desna Chernihiv
Todos’ prediction: A point may be enough for Odesa, and 3 could see them face 3rd place in the Persha Liha instead of 2nd. Desna have been out of form as of late and narrowly saw off their bottom side Arsenal on the weekend when they have won. Chornomorets have the caliber to inflict damage and goals galore in their last few games should come as no surprise that they will likely see this one through in positive fashion as well. 2-1
RESULT: TBC
Vorskla Poltava v Olimpik Donetsk
Todos’ prediction:A shock defeat from Vorskla sees them level on points with Desna at the top of the best of the rest table. ‘Silverware’ in the form of an actual trophy (yes) could be presented to last season’s bronze medalists if they match or better Desna.
Olimpik have a potent forward force to be wary of though! Matar Dieye just cannot stop scoring. His two vs Karpaty will come in good stead as he looks to continue this rich vein of form. This one likely to end all square as not too much can affect these clubs’ final standings and a game on a Wednesday is not going to help motivate any player to put in anymore effort. 1-1
RESULT: TBC
THURSDAY

Mariupol v Zorya Luhansk
Todos’ prediction: Can Mariupol beat Zorya and overtake their rivals in fourth place? After last weekends humbling at the hands of Shakhtar, the loanees from the ‘sister’ club should return to give the Azov side an added edge. Zorya also just need a point to secure fourth for themselves. A spot they have stayed in for much of the season.Zorya to match their label as favourites leaving Maiupol needing a million qualifying rounds to qualify for the Europa; whilst Zorya have only 999,999 to get through before the groups are in site. 0-2
RESULT: TBC
FC Lviv v Shakhtar Donetsk
Todos’ prediction: Meaningless walk in the park and easyway to add to the records for Donetsk.
0-4
RESULT: TBC

Oleksandriya v Dynamo Kyiv
Todos’ prediction: Another nothing to play for event! Reserves galore, Dynamo to luckily scrape another win out of this. 0-1
RESULT: TBC
MATCHDAY 32 FINAL SCORE: TBC
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BEAT THE DROP: UPL PREDICTOR MATCHDAY 31 2018/19

BEAT THE DROP: 
MATCHDAY 31
THE UKRAINIAN FOOTBALL ROUND UP:
The Penultimate week of the season is upon us!
After the results of Gameweek 30 in midweek, there’s still a fair bit to play for despite the top 3 having secured their medals.
Tuesday’s action concluded with Vorskla taking the ascendancy in the Best of the Rest trophy race, as they beat Desna 1-0 away, knowing it is now there’s to lose being 3 points ahead with two games to go! Quite a turnaround from the side who have been awful since the turn of the year. Desna’s debut season seemingly ending on a sourer note as their form begins to drop just at the wrong time.
Chornomorets were up against the tide as it was ahead of these fixtures, but even after beating Karpaty 3-1, found themselves unable to mathematically move beyond the relegation play off spots. Karpaty, on the other hand, have it all to play for in their next game against direct league rivals Olimpik. Lviv are still 3 points from avoiding the play off ties and it looks like form and time is running low for them.
Arsenal Kyiv all but lost out on their own automatic survival hopes as they drew with Olimpik in a 1-1 score draw. If they drop off further, they may even risk being overtaken by Chornomorets and end up being automatically relegated… 
An interesting couple of fixtures awaits for all in the bottom half of the table!
In the Championship Group, it was an extremely underwhelming set of performances that saw no sides record a victory. Three draws ensued as FC Lviv held Zorya in a goalless draw, Shakhtar played out a 1-1 with Dynamo whilst Mariupol versus Oleksandriya ended in the same scoreline. 
Shakhtar celebrated by lifting their already secured title with Dynamo 11 points off the pace. Whilst the biggest headline was Oleksandriya finally securing their first ever UPL bronze medal finish and ensuring that they will play in the Europa League Group Stages next season! Congratulations!
PREDICTOR TIME

A correct result (WIN / DRAW/ DEFEAT) is worth 10 points. The exact score earns an extra 40 points.
SATURDAY

Desna Chernihiv v Arsenal Kyiv
Todos’ prediction:Both sides have a lot to play for going into this game. Arsenal need to maintain the distance between Chornomorets and at least ensure that they have a relegation play off to survive over the automatic drop. 
Desna have been overtaken by Vorskla and will be wanting to at least give themselves a fighting chance of finishing top; but they know it is out of their hands. Both sides enter this game not in the most optimal of winning form and as a result, a draw seems the most likely outcome. 1-1
RESULT: TBC

Karpaty Lviv v Olimpik Donetsk
Todos’ prediction: This is a massive game for both sides. Karpaty must win in order to ensure even a slight chance of avoiding the play off places. Their yoyo results throughout the season, unable to string consecutive victories together have been their undoing. They seem to be seriously missing any sort of identity and without a central focal point to the team, in the form of a talismanic player, they make up what is a largely average side without much coherency. 
Olimpik on the other hand have been playing relatively well since the split and if anything deserve to edge Karpaty in the league as it stands. Dieye has been pivotal to the side who really lacked goals for much of the season. Now he has turned it on, they look to have secured the spine of the side. This being said it could end either way as neither of these sides guarantee stability in the form of footballing performances once they’re actually on the pitch. Olimpik won this one, 3-2 last time and it’s expected they will condemn Karpaty to the play offs with a win today.
1-2
RESULT: TBC

Vorskla Poltava v Chornomorets Odesa
Todos’ prediction:The bottom half of the table trophy is Vorskla’s to lose now. The last time they won it, two seasons ago; the next season they finished third. So they could do with another good omen this time around. They have been on the rise in recent weeks, rediscovering their famed defensive stability under manager Kosovsky. However, as has been a problem all season, goals have been coming at a premium. 
Chornomorets have not been sparing in the goals department, as they saw off Karpaty 3-1 and know their best tactic is to outscore the opposition. This is going to be a tight game, with Chornomorets knowing they still have a faint chance of avoiding the automatic relegation spot as long as they get the win. Unfortunately as their defence is far from as solid as that of their opponents, another score draw is how this one will end; condemning the Sailors to life in Persha Liha next season.
1-1
RESULT: TBC
SUNDAY

Dynamo Kyiv v FC Lviv
Todos’ prediction: Both sides have nothing to play for. A non event but a win expected for the home side as they debut their new kit. Tsyhankov out so the goals burden will fall upon recently back from injury forward Biesedin.1-0
RESULT: TBC

Shakhtar Donetsk v Mariupol 
Todos’ prediction:Mariupol need to win this to continue their fight for fourth place but as is tradition in the UPL, Shakhtar always find a way to win this one. The youngsters and fringe players will want to impress again. Tete, Kayode and Solomon to turn up and neutralize any sort of Mariupol hopes of victory.
2-0
RESULT: TBC

Zorya Luhansk v Oleksandriya
Todos’ prediction:Zorya should walk this one with Oleksandriya’s recent securing of third place. Zorya need this victory a lot more than their opponents do and it really seems to be a non brainer. 2-0
RESULT: TBC
MATCHDAY 31 FINAL SCORE: TBC
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ANOTHER ONE (UKRAINIAN EL CLASICO): UPL PREDICTOR MATCHDAY 30 2018/19

ANOTHER ONE:
 MATCHDAY 30
THE UKRAINIAN FOOTBALL ROUND UP:


Matchday 29 ended with the crowning of the 2018/19 UPL Champions!
Shakhtar beat Zorya Luhansk 1-0 in Zaporizhya to pick up their third consecutive league title and completed the domestic double after their midweek cup win! Shakhtar are now the most decorated Ukrainian club post independence (All silverware included)!
Dynamo made sure they secured the silver medal spot with a 2-1 win against Mariupol! But as far they are concerned the season was well and truly over after the last El Clasico draw result which left them forever chasing their Miner rivals…
Oleksandriya need to wait at least another week to ensure bronze after losing 1-0 to FC Lviv at home. This puts their own historic qualification for the Group stages of the Europa League on hold too!
The Relegation fight switched places throughout all of Saturday but everyone eventually ended up in the same positions that they had started the weekend in!
Vorskla picked up a 2-0 win vs Arsenal Kyiv to leave the away side second bottom. Vorskla closed in on Desna for that ‘Best of the rest’ spot with this victory. The so called final showdown between these two occurs this midweek!  
Karpaty left the Relegation play off spots temporarily with a surprise win over Desna at home! However they fell straight back in before the day ended as Olimpik beat Chornomorets 2-1 to remain outside and condemn Odesa to bottom once more! Relegation looking more and more of a reality for the Southern Ukrainian side…
PREDICTOR TIME
A correct result (WIN / DRAW/ DEFEAT) is worth 10 points. The exact score earns an extra 40 points.
TUESDAY
Chornomorets Odesa v Karpaty Lviv
Todos’ prediction:Both sides need three points in this relatively understated midweek six pointer. Chornomorets are on the verge of being condemned to relegation, either automatic or through play off means if they fail to win in this one. Whereas Karpaty have given themselves a lifeline with their win on the weekend. The only problem they have is that Olimpik have also fallen into form and they’re currently two steps behind. 
The Black Sea coast should provide better conditions than that of Stadion Ukraina on Saturday and it’s likely to be an eventful game with so much on the line. Would fancy Karpaty to edge this one but that’s just too positive in its outlook when taking a look back at the season behind us. Bottling will occur.  1-1
RESULT: TBC

Desna Chernihiv v Vorskla Poltava
Todos’ prediction: This battle of the ‘top two’ is a lot tighter than that in the other section of the UPL. These two sides technically have silverware to play for in the form of a weird looking 7thplace trophy. Desna currently entertain so called ‘top’ but this has been cut to a mere point due to recent results. Vorskla are rejuvenated are a string of positive performances and they seemed to have found their groove against the league’s traditionally weaker outfits. 
Kolomoyets will be looking to get his second goal of the season from up top in what will be his 24thappearance in the league this season. It looks more likely to see Desna pick themselves up from a surprise defeat on Saturday to get a morale boosting and potentially silverware winning victory at home. (Only if results go in their favour in the remaining two fixtures after this one). 2-0
RESULT: TBC


Arsenal Kyiv v Olimpik Donetsk
Todos’ prediction:Arsenal look to be slowly deteriorating just at the wrong moment. Their positive run was undone by Vorskla and it may look to continue against a free scoring Olimpik, who are now relatively unrecognizable to the side that played under Shevchuk. Dieye looks to be a revelation up front, whilst Pasich in midfield is enjoying a productive spell in creating chances. 
Technically a home fixture for both sides here (both play at the same stadium) baring in mind home advantage is minimal when it comes to UPL attendances, the players should know the task at hand. Arsenal need to win to entertain slim hopes of escaping relegation altogether whilst Olimpik need to maintain a couple more games without a loss to all but guarantee survival for another season. Goals in this one. 1-2
RESULT: TBC
WEDNESDAY
FC Lviv v Zorya Luhansk 
Todos’ prediction: FC Lviv shocked us at the weekend but there’s no chance that they will be getting a second win on the bounce, against Vernydub’s men. Lviv are all but confirmed 6th spot now (due to the amount of fixtures left) and as such will be feeling less than motivated, despite their surprise victory. 
Zorya played well against Shakhtar and will want to better Mariupol as the season phases out. The fourth spot race is neck and neck. Inconsistency has plagued this Zorya side throughout this campaign and it will be a test to see if they can beat the side bottom of the ‘top half’. 
Budkivskyi has been uninspiring up top but it’s a game like this where the likes of Karavayev and Hromov turn up and take them over the line. 0-2
RESULT: TBC
Mariupol v Oleksandriya 
Todos’ prediction:This is another game with both sides chasing down down their end of season targets. Oleksandriya postponed their automatic qualification to the Europa and will be looking to ensure that occurs this midweek. 
Mariupol were hopeless against Dynamo despite the result, but still have a chance of grasping a handle on fourth. Unfortunately, neither side look to be able to grasp games by the scruff of the neck recently. 
Oleksandriya’s lack of a goal-scoring striker seems to have affected their recent matches. Mariupol just need to be more clinical. Score draw looking the most probable. 1-1
RESULT: TBC

Shakhtar Donetsk v Dynamo Kyiv
Todos’ prediction:In what is the most meaningless Ukrainian Derby of the season and least motivational fixture between these two sides in years, it’s unlikely that this will be a memorable one. Both sides will be relaxed, Shakhtar more so as they secured the league on the weekend. 
Dynamo, now guaranteed second will likely be on the beach during this one, as has their intensity been since the last Derby. Of course there is pride to play for and it’s likely to be fiery as these games always are but with no serious motivation it is certain to fall flat. 
Moraes will be looking for revenge and to add to his tally but will fall as short as both side do. Dire. 0-0
RESULT: TBC
MATCHDAY 30 FINAL SCORE: TBC
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ON THE BRINK: UPL MATCHDAY PREDICTOR 29 2018/19

ON THE BRINK: 
MATCHDAY 29
THE UKRAINIAN FOOTBALL ROUND UP:
On a weekend where the English Premier League came to a satisfying crescendo, the UPL was slogging out it’s 28thgame week with a number of weeks left to go.
On the topic of the Premier League, it should be mentioned that Ukraine international and now first choice Left Back at the Etihad; Oleksandr Zinchenko picked up his second league title in sky blue colours. He travels to Wembley today with his side for the second time this season, aiming to achieve the first ever domestic treble in the English men’s game! 
Across the water, another Ukraine key man, Ruslan Malinovskyi lifted the title for Belgium’s Genk, their first for 8 years. Ukrainians are seriously showcasing their talents abroad to great effect and this can only mean good things for the future of the national team as well!
Back to the UPL, we kicked off with the Championship group. Mariupol started the matchday by welcoming FC Lviv to the Azov coast. Mariupol duly obliged in taking three points off the now given up Lviv team in a 2-0 victory. The hosts are now level on points with Zorya and this will likely be the focus of the remaining fixtures of the season within this ‘top tier’ as the two battle for a higher qualifying round berth.
Zorya Luhansk followed this game up with a positive but last gasp 1-1 draw against a now ‘nothing to play for’ Dynamo side. This result meant that the Luhanchany maintain their slim hopes of a 3rdplace spot but also remain level with direct 4thplace challengers Mariupol.
In the other game, Shakhtar all but secured the title with a 2-1 win over Oleksandriya, that proved slightly more difficult than expected. Junior Moraes once more notching a goal as extends his lead at the top of the goal scoring charts.
In the Relegation group, things are still delicately poised for interesting viewing ahead of the season’s end. Arsenal opened the Sunday games with Chornomorets visiting. This was a massive six pointer in the relegation dog fight, which no side ended up taking an advantage from. The entertaining end to end game finished 3-3, as Arsenal remained three points off the bottom but three points from safety. Chornomorets have it all to do.

Desna ensured themselves another victory and the right to remain top of the ‘Second half of the table’ with a 2-1 win over Olimpik, whilst Vorskla failed to match this result as they played out a 1-1 draw with usual kryptonite Karpaty. Ghosts may have been partially exorcised but the result continues to pile the pressure on Karpaty who remain within the Relegation Play Off spots.

Also worthy of note was the Ukrainian Cup Final that took place in midweek. Second division Inhulets Petrove went in as underdogs against Shakhtar and were schooled. The Miners won 4-0 to pick up their 13th Ukrainian Cup Trophy and now have the double in their sights!
PREDICTOR TIME
A correct result (WIN / DRAW/ DEFEAT) is worth 10 points. The exact score earns an extra 40 points.
SATURDAY


Dynamo Kyiv v Mariupol
Todos’ prediction:The opening fixture of Matchday 29 sees ‘nothing to play for’ Dynamo host a European spot chasing Mariupol.
It’s already likely that Mariupol have secured a qualifying spot but as their experience at the start of this season fared, having to start a round earlier is not the most favourable.
Hence the Azov side will be keen to get a result in Kyiv to overtake Zorya in a week where their rivals are facing top of the league. It’s going to be an interesting match up, with Dynamo not too motivated but I still see Mariupol falling short of all three points as they’re the visitors. A score draw will have to suffice.1-1
RESULT: TBC

Vorskla Poltava v Arsenal Kyiv
Todos’ prediction: Two sides meet chasing different end of season goals. The hosts are still in with a shout of the 7th place trophy with their form picking up in recent weeks as manager Kosovskyi has finally found his groove; picking up consistent draws.
Arsenal on the other hand will be feeling the pressure as the clock ticks down for them to escape the relegation play off places.
Just three points off bottom, but 3 points from safety in the other direction, they will be wanting to complete the extraordinary turnaround of a season where it looked like they were nailed on for the drop!
Vakulenko will be pivotal as usual and with just that bit more to play for, the visitors will get another unprecedented victory.1-2
RESULT: TBC
Karpaty Lviv v Desna Chernihiv
Todos’ prediction: Here’s another key matchup in the Relegation Group. Karpaty will be desperate to get out of the play off spots despite their recent performances not reiterating this.
With Shved permanently back at Celtic, the rest of the team will need to step up. Desna have been dangerous this season and are looking like the favourites to claim the Best of the Rest silverware in their debut top flight season.
Karpaty have the players but it seems there’s some serious gelling and mental strength problems within the side and it looks like they will lose again.1-3
RESULT: TBC
Olimpik Donetsk v Chornomorets Odesa
Todos’ prediction: Bottom of the league Odesa travel to Kyiv for the second week in a row in what is a must win game.
Time is running out for the Black Sea club. They will need to continue with the ‘never say die attitude’, that earns them a draw last week, as they take on an Olimpik side that has finally found its goal scoring boots.
Odesa striker Vilhjamsson will be aiming to be instrumental once more as will the Olimpik forwards. However, both just don’t seem to be able to gain a serious grip of leads in matches gone by. A score draw looks like a high possibility.1-1
RESULT: TBC
SUNDAY
Oleksandriya v FC Lviv
Todos’ prediction:Oleksandriya are on the brink of securing their Europa League group stage spot after the Cup Final saw Inhulets lose. In reality, they rely more on Zorya slipping up in one of the last 4 matches than needing themselves to produce a winning run. 
Nonetheless, Oleksandriya host Champions Group ‘here for the riders’ FC Lviv as they look to put their European status beyond doubt. They require a minimum of a point as long as Zorya fail to beat Shakhtar in the later game on Sunday. It is likely they will get a comprehensive victory as FC Lviv have truly unraveled since the league split in two. 
Lviv have been unable to score in any frequency and their defence has been breached far too often. Blavatskyi’s inexperience and lack of any UPL predigree has shown. The points to stay at home in this one. 2-0
RESULT: TBC


Zorya Luhansk v Shakhtar Donetsk
Todos’ prediction:By the time this game is played, it may already be mathematically impossible for Dynamo to catch Shakhtar. If Dynamo fail to best Mariupol, then this fixture will not be as pivotal in securing the ‘2 more points’ required to secure the title. However, taking other games out of the equation, Shakhtar will be wanting to win the league in style and in commanding fashion, especially against their Donbas neighbours. 
Youngsters are heavily expected to be given further run outs as the season winds down, but this does not mean that the Miners are in any way weakening their starting squad. Brazilian winter recruits, Tete and Antonio alongside Israeli star Solomon all showcased fans what the future has to bring for the club as they demonstrated their abilities in the Cup final. 
It would be against all odds for Zorya to put up a fight in this one and as such there seems to be only one way that this game is going in.  0-2
RESULT: TBC
MATCHDAY 29 FINAL SCORE: TBC
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WHAT DO WE SAY TO RELEGATION? NOT TODAY: UPL MATCHDAY PREDICTOR 28 2018/19

WHAT DO WE SAY TO RELEGATION? NOT TODAY: MATCHDAY 28
THE UKRAINIAN FOOTBALL ROUND UP:
The UPL in parts feels like it’s already on its holidays. The Championship Group is certainly in part experiencing the adverse effects of Shakhtar strolling at the top even more so now after Dynamo’s draw with Oleksandriya last Saturday. 
This was just one of many shocks from the previous gameweek but this result was largely warranted and even expected as Dynamo have markedly dropped in performance intensity in recent games. Runners up is a given for them and it’s looking more and more inevitable that Oleksandriya will be in the Europa League group stages next season (barring the biggest underdog story win in the Ukrainian Cup Final for Inhulets). 
The Ukrainian Leicester have put in performances bettering that of a mediocre Dynamo for large parts of this season but ultimately their lack of experience at this top level and deficiency in the type of player calibre that Dynamo boast, have been their undoing in random blips against lower quality sides. However, after Zorya Luhansk succumbed at home to Mariupol on the same day, a few more points should be enough for the historic achievement!
Zorya look to be scrapping with their Donbas neighbours for that fourth spot and that Europa League qualifying position. That is currently as exciting as the the top half of the table gets before de facto Champions Shakhtar get crowned within a couple more match-days. The league leaders routed FC Lviv in resounding fashion as they scored 5 past the ‘lucky to be here, just here for the ride’ sixth placed side. It was Shakhtar’s first game in a while where they scored more than a couple of goals, with some fringe players taking the opportunity to impress Fonseca; notably Kovalenko and Bolbat and a few of the younger Brazilians.
Putting the ‘Medal & Europe Group’ to one side, it’s all happening in the bottom section of the league! 
Usually this is a drab affair, featuring a whipping boy that is woefully unable to cut it in the division (some feat that) and some others just couch surfing into obscurity until the end of the season where they go again! However this year has been refreshingly different! The sides circling at the bottom, who were terrible until the split have finally decided to start fighting for their survival. 
We have a REAL relegation battle on our hands here. The shocks came thick and fast last week as Chornomorets and their out of the blue winter Icelandic signing, Vilhjamsson, have suddenly begun to play football. They came from behind twice against ‘Relegation Group’ leaders Desna to beat them 4-2 on Chernihiv’s own patch! 
Meanwhile, Arsenal Kyiv who have also found their form since cutting out the highest quality of opponents from their schedules, saw off Karpaty in Lviv. Maryan Shved was sent off and Karpaty have slipped deeper into the relegation play off spots as Olimpik got another point after drawing with Vorskla. Karpaty are looking ropey with Arsenal now just one point behind them and unless the Green and Whites pick themselves up, they could seriously see themselves risk playing in the second division.
There are some massive games in Relegation Group this week, check our predictions and previews below to see who we are backing to come out on top…
PREDICTOR TIME

A correct result (WIN / DRAW/ DEFEAT) is worth 10 points. The exact score earns an extra 40 points.
SATURDAY


Mariupol v FC Lviv
Todos’ prediction:Mariupol looked up for the final few legs of the season as they beat Zorya last week. The ‘Shakhtar reserves’ need all the points they can get to overtake Zorya and this fixture looks the most winnable of those left for them.
Lviv, who have not impressed since the start of the Championship Group ties, were pummeled v Shakhtar and have seriously struggled for goals during the later parts of the campaign. Mariupol’s youth to overturn the Lviv samba stars. 2-0
RESULT: TBC

Dynamo Kyiv v Zorya Luhansk
Todos’ prediction: This fixture is a repeat of the 2019 UPL re-opener which saw Dynamo begin the calendar year in spectacular 5-0 fashion. However after that it largely went downhill in both Europe and all but ended their title challenge last week.
Zorya have certainly improved since that thrashing but are still a shadow of themselves from seasons’ past. It’s likely that this game will be a much tighter affair this time round, with Dynamo looking like they’re already on the beach and looking to hand Shakhtar the title themselves.
Dynamo have got the squad on paper in this one and as a result they should have just enough to defeat their opponents despite the largely ‘non competitive circumstances’. 2-1
RESULT: TBC

Shakhtar Donetsk v Oleksandriya
Todos’ prediction: Shakhtar are strolling to the title. They just keep winning, keep getting clean sheets and even turned up with the goals last week.
Oleksandriya won’t be a Lviv like rollover but the Miners are almost definitely going to have too much for their visitors.
Oleksandriya will certainly give it a good go after their draw against Dynamo but it’s just impossible to see anything beyond another home win, regardless of the injuries Shakhtar have or the squad Fonseca plays. Moraes to add another to his tally. 1-0
RESULT: TBC
SUNDAY

Arsenal Kyiv v Chornomorets Odesa
Todos’ prediction: The bottom two meet for the final time this season in what is yet again another six pointer! Arsenal and Chornomorets have stunned over the past couple of weeks and even more so, one of these two sides has a real chance to move out of the bottom two for the first time this campaign! Arsenal are only one point behind Karpaty and have been resilient at the Valery Lobanovskiy stadium since the league split.
Vakulenko has been on serious hot form as is Chornomorets’ Icelandic forward with 3 goals in two games. Chornomorets will be buoyed by their comeback win over Desna last time as all the sides in the bottom half continue to say to the God of Relegation, ‘Not Today!’

There will certainly be goals in this one. Arsenal look to have the edge in terms of quality thanks to their loanees and going on recent performances they should have what it takes to overcome the league’s bottom side! 2-1 

RESULT: TBC
Desna Chernihiv v Olimpik Donetsk
Todos’ prediction:Desna have been off the boil for the past fortnight with some seriously dubious results. They need to pick up a positive result somewhere as they welcome a rejuvenated Olimpik. Desna look slightly suspect at the moment due to recent performances.
Olimpik have come into their own recently as they have settled under caretaker manager Klimovsky since Vyacheslav Shevchuk’s departure. Dehtaryov and Dieye finally finding their shooting boots. Olimpik have finally found some goals in the side too so they will be sniffing around for it. I see neither side taking advantage of the other with Olimpik adding another draw to their previous 11 in the league so far! 1-1
RESULT: TBC

Vorskla Poltava v Karpaty Lviv
Todos’ prediction:Vorskla will be up for this one! Not only is their kryptonite this season, Maryan Shved suspended for the visitors but Vorskla have finally picked up some positive form! They will be out to avenge their consecutive 4-0 defeats against the Lviv side!
Karpaty go into this game, just a point above once bottom Arsenal Kyiv and 4 points ahead of current last placed Chornomorets. Lviv started the Relegation group campaign in strong and fashion and it looked like they were going to comfortably stay up and even challenge for the top spot, however it began to quickly unravel.
What’s more confusing is that Karpaty have a strong squad of multi national players but it seems that they just can’t click. Now they stare the real prospect of relegation in the face. Vorskla face their opponents just at the right time to take revenge. 3 points to remain in Poltava! 2-1
RESULT: TBC
MATCHDAY 28 FINAL SCORE: TBC
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HEATING UP AT BOTH ENDS: UPL MATCHDAY PREDICTOR 27 2018/19

HEATING UP AT BOTH ENDS: MATCHDAY 27
THE UKRAINIAN FOOTBALL ROUND UP:
Last week’s UPL action was a rather subdued affair across the league bar one particularly interesting game! Easter celebrations were certainly a distraction for a majority. Nonetheless, certain results proved pivotal in the races for relegation and Europe both ‘Groups’. 
Matchday 26 kicked off with Chornomorets hosting Vorskla Poltava on the Black Sea Coast. Vorskla completed their second comeback of that week to pick up their first win of 2019! They moved to within 2 points of Desna who sit top of the Relegation Group!
Olimpik Donetsk were next up and had the chance to leapfrog Karpaty into 9thwith a second consecutive victory under their caretaker manager. Olimpik took the lead early on from Pasich, before Karpaty scored twice to take a lead early in the second half. However, as is known with Karpaty they have a real problem with holding opposition off and conceded twice in a freak one-minute spell to lose the game 3-2 and fall into the Relegation play off spots.
Sunday saw the Championship Group come to the fore. Shakhtar travelled to Mariupol, missing six first team regular starters, so were largely fielding a mix and match side featuring a few bench players. Nevertheless, they beat Mariupol 1-0 to maintain their record of never having lost to their Donetsk Oblast neighbours since the UPL began. 
Oleksandriya saw their lead in 3rdplace cut down to 9 points as 4thplaced Zorya came to town and a Hromov double saw the hosts off with ease. Can Zorya catch their rivals up before the season comes to an end? Would be quite the bottle job from Oleksandriya if it does!
The final Easter Sunday game saw Dynamo Kyiv field a weakened team versus FC Lviv in an extra wet affair at an almost empty Stadion Ukraina. Dynamo saw both Burda and Kedziora sent off in a badly tempered affair and had Buyalskyi to thank that they went home with 3 points, as he scored in the first half and maintained the 7 point gap between themselves and Shakhtar in first.
The Matchday concluded on Monday, as relegation escapologists Arsenal were aiming to move off bottom once again as they welcomed Desna to the capital. On paper this looked like a certain victory for the away side, currently flying at the top of the Relegation group, but as is with UPL football and its unpredictability, Arsenal had the last laugh. The Kyiv side won 2-0 and moved into the relegation play off spots, 6 points from safety. 
PREDICTOR TIME

A correct result (WIN / DRAW/ DEFEAT) is worth 10 points. The exact score earns an extra 40 points.
SATURDAY
Zorya Luhansk v Mariupol
Todos’ prediction:Buoyed from their two consecutive wins in recent games, Zorya will be attempting to cut down the gap between themselves and third placed Oleksandriya even further. Zorya have picked up form since the start of the league split and seem to have regained some of the ability they were showing in season’s gone by. 
However, they welcome fellow Donbas club Mariupol who are also still within a shout of gaining a Europa League place. They may be on a but of a losing streak but are likely to give Zorya a good game. Neither side has been particularly solid at the back this season but it’s in the attacking set ups where the goals and creativity come. There’s a sense that neither of these sides will be able to get all 3 points but with the sense that Mariupol haven’t gained a point in a while, they will be wanting to make sure they get a positive result regardless. 2-2
RESULT: TBC

Dynamo Kyiv v Oleksandriya
Todos’ prediction: This game is going to be interesting. Dynamo after last week’s affair in Lviv seem to already be in holiday mode, as they are literally just aiming to keep the pace with Shakhtar and not elongate that gap before the season closes. Verbic looks to be out for the season as he has pictured in hospital post operation so Carlos De Pena will once again be looking to deputise in the left wing role. 
Oleksandriya travel to the capital with one goal in mind, that of extending their cushion in third and preventing Zorya from gaining any further ground on them. Oleksandriya realistically can’t challenge Dynamo in 2ndas they sit 13 points off their opponents and with the game at the Olimpiyskyi, it’s unlikely that they will turn one over. Both sides are solid at the back with great goalkeepers between the sticks so veering towards a draw is not out of the question. A boring game expected. 0-0
RESULT: TBC
Shakhtar Donetsk v FC Lviv
Todos’ prediction: Shakhtar are in passive mode at the moment. They know they don’t need to overexert themselves in any games bar the Cup final and the next Ukrainian Clasico. Until the end of the season, they will be picking up points aiming to get them through minimal effort as has been on display for the past month. Despite a few first teamers still being out with injury, it’s unlikely that this will hamper the current UPL leaders in this game. 
FC Lviv still have a chance of getting a European spot if they keep the pace with Mariupol but in this particular fixture, they’re unlikely to pick up anything positive regardless despite getting a 0-0 in this game during the first part of the UPL back in November. Moraes will have a weight lifted off his shoulders following the UEFA ruling that he does qualify to play for Ukraine and no rules were bypassed when he made his debut in March. Can he extend his lead at the top of the goal scoring charts? It’s highly likely. 2-0
RESULT: TBC
SUNDAY

Olimpik Donetsk v Vorskla Poltava 
Todos’ prediction: Both of these sides go into this fixture in some fine form. Olimpik have won their last two on the bounce, whilst Vorskla seem to have regained some of the skill that saw them impress during the first few months of the season and for much of last year too. Vorskla have been scoring goals, granted relying on players across the field as they still lack a potent forward whilst Olimpik’s strikers have finally found their shooting boots with Dehtaryov and Dieye looking like they’re finally coming into their own in the UPL. With both sides feeling optimal its unlikely either will be able to get a win. Too close to call.1-1
RESULT: TBC
Desna Chernihiv v Chornomorets Odesa
Todos’ prediction:After the shock result of the last round, where Desna lost resolutely to Arsenal, they now once again face bottom of the league. Chornomorets who dropped into the automatic relegation place after Arsenal’s win last weekend travel north. Desna now have Vorskla breathing down their necks in the race for the Best of the Rest title and will be looking to make amends in front the home crowd. Chornomorets do have the ability to score but seem incapable of holding out for a win as has proven in all of their games since their only win in 2019, back at the end of February. Goals expected in this one with a home victory most likely. 2-1
RESULT: TBC

Karpaty Lviv v Arsenal Kyiv
Todos’ prediction:Well well well. Karpaty once again showed that they have the power to tease their fans with performances for only parts of games before combusting ahead of full time. Worrying times could await as the Lviv club have dropped into the relegation play off spots. No Maryan Shved last week was a blow and it’s currently 50/50 whether he will be fit for this one. Arsenal and their loanees have impressed and did so once again as they beat the relegation group leaders. Karpaty have got some good players in the squad it will just depend on which side decides to turn up. For consistency’s sake and the way the UPL outside of the top 2 is as unpredictable as the EFL Championship, Karpaty are due a win against someone other than Vorskla so their time should come this weekend. 2-1
RESULT: TBC
MATCHDAY 27 FINAL SCORE: TBC
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EASTER IS HERE: UPL MATCHDAY PREDICTOR 26 2018/19

EASTER IS HERE: MATCHDAY 26
THE UKRAINIAN FOOTBALL ROUND UP:
It was entertaining midweek of football action for Matchday 25 as it was played out over Tuesday and Wednesday due to Presidential elections the weekend before. 
The Relegation Group got underway first, as Olimpik Donetsk played their first game since Vyacheslav Shevchuk left his post as Head Coach. With Arsenal Kyiv in good form going into the game it was expected to be a tough game for the managerless side but somehow as it always is in the UPL, the Donetsk team turned on the quality. They defeated Kyiv’s other team by two goals to nil, with goals coming from ‘seperatist’ Hai and the other from Dehtaryov. 
This meant that just a point from Chornomorets would put them above their automatic relegation place challengers, Arsenal on goal difference. And a point they got, in one of the most uninspiring and entertainment lacking games of the season against Karpaty. The game concluded at 0-0 and the less said about this result the better. Karpaty remain in 9thbut now are merely just one point ahead of Olimpik in 10th.
The third game was a battle between the top two fighting for the 7thplace trophy and the right to be called the ‘Best of the Rest’. Desna visited Poltava comfortably sitting in 7thand Vorskla had been in freefall for much of 2019. It got off to the worst possible start for the hosts as they went 3-0 down inside 45 minutes. However, Kosovskyi must have given his side one hell of a team talk during the interval as they re-emerged and pegged Chernihiv back to 3-3! Will this result reignite their season and spark some more positive performances for the rest of the campaign?
Wednesday hosted the Championship Group matches. Oleksandriya ensured their 12-point lead in 3rdplace was safe with a resolute 2-1 victory against Mariupol sees them to likely secure a Europa League spot, granted that they don’t capitulate heavily before the end of the season. Zorya Luhansk, saw off Bohdan Blavatskyi’s men in what was his UPL managerial debut. The top flight novice was on the verge of taking a point back to Lviv until a last minute penalty, converted by Oleksandr Karavayev ensured the hosts grabbed 3 points and move two points above Mariupol. 
In the final game of the Matchday, it was the reprisal of the most fiercely contested derby in Ukrainian football. Shakhtar travelled to Kyiv to face Dynamo. This game had more significance for the hosts, as they knew it was a must win fixture. With a seven-point lead to chase down against their opponents, it was likely that anything but a victory would more than likely hand The Miners another title. Carlos De Pena, made his Dynamo debut and looked surprisingly lively. However, he like everyone else on the pitch was unable to break the deadlock. An effigy of a hanging Junior Moraes in a Shakhtar top, swung from the top tier of the Dynamo Ultras end as the game entered stoppage time. The Brazilian born Ukraine International almost had the last laugh as Shakhtar were awarded a penalty in the last minute. However, he didn’t. Moraes struck a poor penalty as the whistling in the stadium hit its loudest, and Boyko in the Dynamo goal saved with ease. This didn’t matter too much for Shakhtar, as the game ended 0-0 and they maintained their comfortable lead at the top. The Title race is practically OVER!
PREDICTOR TIME
A correct result (WIN / DRAW/ DEFEAT) is worth 10 points. The exact score earns an extra 40 points.
SATURDAY
Chornomorets Odesa v Vorskla Poltava
Todos’ prediction:Vorskla will be buoyed by their comeback against Desna in midweek as they face Chornomorets. The Poltava side need to pick up their first three points of the calendar year and they’re in prime position to take them against lowly Odesa. Vorskla have struggled to score goals this season and even more so after the winter break. It’s unlikely that they will recreate the goal scoring exploits that they showed versus Desna but the quality of their squad is certainly ahead of that of their hosts. Chornomorets parted with their keeper, Bezruk this week as he left for Azerbaijan and really haven’t shown too much promise themselves in recent games. Their 0-0 with Karpaty emphasised the Lviv side’s inconsistency rather than the Odesa side’s defensive supremacy. Vorskla to win this closely contested tie. Just. 
0-1
RESULT: TBC
Olimpik Donetsk v Karpaty Lviv
Todos’ prediction: Olimpik Donetsk won their first game of 2019 last week against Arsenal Kyiv. We will find out whether this will set a precedent in their game against Karpaty. The Lviv as usual have been incredibly inconsistent and are staring at being pushed into the relegation play off spots if they don’t beat Olimpik. 
Maryan Shved as usual will be key if the away side are to pick up three points. Neither sides’ defences are capable of holding out against a half decent attack and it looks more than certain that both teams will score. With Olimpik’s managerial situation still up in the air, Karpaty should capitalise and edge away from those dreaded play off spots. 1-2
RESULT: TBC
SUNDAY

Mariupol v Shakhtar Donetsk
Todos’ prediction:Shakhtar travel back to the Donetsk Oblast as they host their ‘sister’ loanee destination club. Six first team players aren’t travelling for the league leaders but it is still odds on that the visitors will pick up the victory. Junior Moraes will be hungry to make up for his penalty miss in midweek and determined to hit that 20 UPL goals milestone for the season. Won’t be as straightforward as it usually is but a win is certain nonetheless. 
0-1
RESULT: TBC

Oleksandriya v Zorya Luhansk 
Todos’ prediction: Zorya Luhansk will be desperate to get some more points on the board this week as they aim to move clear of their closest rivals Mariupol and put some pressure on their opponents, Oleksandriya, who are 12 points ahead of them. As has been stated before in these predictions, Zorya have been a shadow of their former selves this season and seem to struggle to gain a hold of games usually scraping wins or draws late on. They did this last week and are likely to put Oleksandriya to the sword. However, the hosts are notoriously solid at the back and will not be letting in any soft mistakes. The forwards of both sides aren’t the most potent or in the best of form and as a result, a grinded out draw will suffice for Oleksandriya who are looking to secure their 3rdplace finish as early as they can.0-0
RESULT: TBC


FC Lviv v Dynamo Kyiv
Todos’ prediction:Bohdan Blavatskyi’s men host Dynamo Kyiv in what will be his first home game in charge. Lviv won in Kyiv during the first stage of the season and although their star man Bruno Duarte is back amongst the goals, it is unlikely they will challenge this Dynamo side.
Dynamo will be wanting to bounce back from their frustrating draw with Shakhtar, and although it is unlikely they will catch Shakhtar now, they will need to continue winning in the hope their rivals slip up elsewhere. 
Tsyhankov has been in top form since the start of 2019 and will be expected to put in another shift in this game against a notoriously hard to break down defence. It won’t be easy for Dynamo but they should get the game over the line. 0-2
RESULT: TBC
MONDAY

Arsenal Kyiv v Desna Chernihiv
Todos’ prediction: It’s TOP versus BOTTOM in this relegation group showdown. Being played out on Monday, Arsenal will be looking to get an instant response from themselves after their disappointing defeat against fellow strugglers Olimpik. With Chornomorets playing earlier in the weekend, they will need to match or better their relegation rivals to stand a chance of staying in the league. Desna, on the other hand are flying despite their blip against Vorskla, they have yet to lose since the switch in league format. Serhiychuk looks to be in great form as he scored twice against his former club in midweek and it’s difficult to see anything other an away victory in this one as the visitors look to maintain their lead at the top.1-2
RESULT: TBC
MATCHDAY 26 FINAL SCORE: TBC
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ANOTHER CLASICO: UPL PREDICTOR MATCHDAY 25 2018/19


ANOTHER CLASICO: MATCHDAY 25
THE UKRAINIAN FOOTBALL ROUND UP:
The UPL enters Matchday 25 off the back of another week and a half break, and finds itself playing out its fixtures during midweek once again. Ukraine has a new President, after the elections of which, during the previous weekend, prevented these matches from taking place. However, after the freest and fairest in Ukrainian history, it looks like no more sporting events will be affected by political developments, until at least the end of the season. 
The top three all won last time out, maintaining the league positions in the Championship Group. Dynamo ran out as 1-0 victors in Mariupol, a second string Shakhtar side routed Zorya 3-0 in the Donbas Derby whilst Oleksandriya edged out 2-1 winners against FC Lviv. In the meantime, FC Lviv have appointed a new manager, in the form of relatively unknown and inexperienced at the top level, Bohdan Blavatskyi after Yuri Bakalov’s departure.
The Relegation Group saw Arsenal Kyiv move out of the bottom spot for the first time this season thanks to a 1-0 win over the capitulating Vorskla, whilst Olimpik and Chornomorets saw out a 1-1 draw which would end up being Vyacheslav Shevchuk’s last game in charge, as he left the club via mutual consent. Meanwhile, Desna edged further clear in the ‘Best of the Rest’ top spot with an unsurprising victory against Karpaty, who are seemingly incapable of stringing together a run of consecutive wins.
After the UPL fixtures, came the Ukrainian Cup Semi Finals, which saw another GIANT KILLING! Ukraine will now see a lower league side play in the final for the very first time, after the village of Petrove, with a population of 8,000 and their side Inhulets saw off UPL Zorya Luhansk 2-1! They will now face the holders, Shakhtar in the final in Zaporizhya after The Miners saw off Dnipro-1 in the dying minutes 2-0!
PREDICTOR TIME
A correct result (WIN / DRAW/ DEFEAT) is worth 10 points. The exact score earns an extra 40 points.
TUESDAY

Olimpik Donetsk v Arsenal Kyiv
Todos’ prediction:Olimpik start a new era without Vyacheslav Shevchuk as manager against the side that had been bottom of the table for the entire season, until the last matchday came around.
The visitors are now only three points behind Olimpik and will be looking to reduce that gap during this on, with their recent run of form. It is incredibly tight at the bottom, and currently any one of the bottom 5 could get sucked into the battle. 
Olimpik have not won a game in a while and it was against Olimpik that Arsenal’s hot streak began, so this is likely to be an engaging encounter. Can Arsenal move a step closer out of the relegation play off spots or will it be Olimpik keeping up with Karpaty who are only three points above them? With their loanees now performing for them, it seems Arsenal go into this one as slight favourites. 0-1
RESULT: TBC
Karpaty Lviv v Chornomorets Odesa
Todos’ prediction: Whilst it’s not quite Vorskla, Karpaty should be looking to take away all three points from this one at home. Chornomorets, have seriously dropped off over the past month, falling into last place and looking doomed to remain within the relegation picture until the end of the season. 
Maryan Shved will be hoping to add to his tally of 15 UPL goals as his side aim to move clear of the relegation play off area for a while at least, with the two current berth holders meeting each other. Yes, Karpaty are as unpredictable as it gets, but even they should be able to see off this Odesa side with relative ease. 3-0
RESULT: TBC

Vorskla Poltava v Desna Chernihiv
Todos’ prediction:The most out of form side in the league host the ‘Relegation Group’ leaders who now boast a few more points than some sides in the ‘Championship Group’. Desna have been seriously impressive in their debut UPL season and look like strong favourites to pick up the Best of the Rest trophy at the season’s conclusion. 
Denys Favorov, club captain, full back and Ramos-esque in the fact he doesn’t shy away from taking penalties, has been his sides star man! Whether it be shoring up his back line to popping up with a game winning header, he’s been a stalwart throughout. He will be looking to command his side against a flailing Vorskla who have yet to win in 2019 and have lost their last 4 games in a row in all competitions.
Of course, all records must come to an end and it would be in typical UPL fashion for the in form Desna to drop points at the Oleksiy Butovsky stadium, but at this moment in time there’s just no seeing past an away team victory.  0-2
RESULT: TBC
WEDNESDAY


Zorya Luhansk v FC Lviv
Todos’ prediction: This Ukrainian Cup Quarter Final repeat, dubs these evenly matched sides against one another. FC Lviv, have looked out of their depth in the Championship Group thus far, but will be looking to change that in Zaporizhya. They have a new manager and he could provide the old cliché ‘new manager bounce’, in the form of a draw. 
Zorya need to win as they look to secure their own Europa berth but as they have been out of sorts for much of the season, it’s unlikely that they will be too convincing in this one especially with a lack of a consistent goal scoring outlet. Bruno Duarte of FC Lviv, got a first goal in a while during the last matchday and will be wanting to add to that. Draws galore in the Championship Group this time out. 1-1
RESULT: TBC
Oleksandriya v Mariupol
Todos’ prediction: It is 3rdv 4thin the table. Oleksandriya are also at arms length from their nearest challenger and will be looking to maintain this during the midweek fixtures. A few more victories against the sides below them and they can expect to enjoy their debut season in the Europa League group stages, granted Inhulets don’t win the cup! 
Mariupol are also honing in on a Europa qualifying place and are looking to bounce back after their narrow loss to Dynamo last time out. With Zubkov aiming to maintain the goals tally that he has been bringing in in recent games, this is looking to be a hard one to call. Goals apiece but no outright winner!
.1-1
RESULT: TBC
Shakhtar Donetsk v Dynamo Kyiv
Todos’ prediction: The fifth instalment of this fixture this season (after the Super Cup, the first UPL cycle home / away and in the Cup) is prone to be as feisty as the one’s before it. This game in particular has more riding on it for Dynamo than it does Shakhtar. 
The current UPL leaders, who already boast a commanding 7-point advantage on Kyiv, know that they can afford to lose both of their remaining El Clasico fixtures this season and still win the title by a point, as long as they pick up maximum points elsewhere. 
Dynamo will be desperate to inflict revenge on their arch rivals for dumping them out of the Ukrainian Cup a fortnight ago and mount the pressure on The Miners by closing up the gap at the top! Carlos De Pena, Dynamo’s new free agent signing could make his debut, whilst Tsyhankov is in top form for club and country and will be looking to add to that by attempting to leave a mark in a big game for the first time in a while. 
As these two sides lock horns, it feels like it is going to be a tight affair and Shakhtar will feel the missing Marlos in their starting side. A juicy score draw awaits. 2-2
RESULT: TBC
MATCHDAY 25 FINAL SCORE: TBC
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BACK TO REALITY: UPL PREDICTOR MATCHDAY 24 2018/19


BACK TO REALITY: MATCHDAY 24

THE UKRAINIAN FOOTBALL ROUND UP:
The past week and a half has seen an immense amount of Ukrainian football pan out in unpredictable fashion. Both the UPL and the Ukrainian Cup have had us gripped to our seats, with comebacks and cupsets galore!
It’s first time to rewind to a week and a half ago, when the UPL hosted Matchday 23 over the course of a stagnated week. Karpaty kicked us off on a Tuesday, hosting and demolishing Vorskla 4-0 (AGAIN) in large part thanks to Maryan Shved who got himself a brace and an assist. The Celtic twitter community get more excited by the week at the prospects of this young Ukrainian once he moves to Glasgow in the summer! The victory gave Karpaty some breathing space between themselves and the relegation play off spots!
On Wednesday of that week, we got a few more thrilling games. However, it started far from enthralling as Shakhtar, somewhat unsurprisingly narrowly edged out Oleksandriya 1-0, which saw them maintain their seven-point lead at the top of the table. Junior Moraes, contributed the winner as he clocked in his 17thgoal of the season. Shakhtar, currently very much playing on the backburners as they reserve their energy for league games against Dynamo.
Dynamo travelled to Zaprorizhya to play Zorya and were almost on the end of a shock defeat as the Luhansk side went two ahead inside 58 minutes. Tamas Kadar was subsequently sent off and the game and all three points looked like they had passed the Kyivans by. However, from somewhere Dynamo mustered enough might to stage the most unlikely of comebacks. 
Buyalskyi pulled one back before a stunning Tsyhankov free kick drew the scores level. Zorya’s second goal scorer Max Biliy was then shown a straight red with 20 minutes to go. Dynamo began to regain ascendency and were rewarded for their rare showing of a never say die attitude in this match with an 84thminute penalty giving Tsyhankov a double and Dynamo all three points.
Another unprecedented thriller unfolded at Stadion Ukraina as FC Lviv entertained Mariupol. The hosts took at early lead through Lipe Veloso, before having Martan sent off at the start of the second half. This changed the swing of the game, with Mariupol grabbing three goals and Zubkov playing an instrumental role in all of them (2 goals and an assist). With the game looking dead and buried for Lviv, Priymak scored their second with 10 minutes to go, but they didn’t have enough to grab the equaliser late on.
The two remaining games were played out on Saturday as all the clubs involved in these fixtures had already been knocked out of the Cup. Desna travelled to Kyiv to face Olimpik and got themselves a resolute win in their challenge for the ‘Best of the Rest’ trophy. Olimpik were never really a threat and remain the relegation play off places. 
The closing game of Matchday 23 saw a six pointer take to the stage. Second bottom Chornomorets faced 12thplaced Arsenal Kyiv in a tie that was largely over in the first half. Arsenal, whose performances have improved exponentially since the start of the year, scored 3 goals before half time. The game ended 3-1 in favour of the guests and they move to within one point of their direct relegation rivals. 
The Ukrainian Cup was the main spectacle last Sunday with all four Quarter Final fixtures taking place on the same day. 
Inhulets Petrove from Persha Liha entertained Karpaty Lviv in the first match of the day. They ended up causing a shock and evading Karpaty another season of the elusive ‘Kubok Lvova.’ They went ahead in the second half, only for the man of the moment, Maryan Shved to grab a 90+7 minute equaliser for his club. The game went to penalties and Kerim Yoda, who scored a penalty against Vorskla that same week, who got the decisive miss. 
Zorya Luhansk booked their own spot in the semi finals thanks to a goal from Lednev which saw them edge out FC Lviv. Yuri Bakalov, the FC Lviv manager then subsequently resigned from his post the following day, despite leading the side to the Championship group in the league. Lviv really is the carousel of managers!
 Whilst Dnipro-1 (current Persha Liha leaders) dumped the truly in decline Vorskla with ease, scoring two goals late on and ensuring they are just one game away from a cup final.
However, the main fixture on this Cup day game last. The Ukrainian El-Clasico played out in fiery style as the two locked horns for the first time in 2019. Whilst this fixture is getting overly repetitive in recent seasons and seems to be losing its unique spark, this game went against that claim. From start to finish, this was a good old fashioned, aggressively contested derby. 15 yellow cards were shown in this match over the course of 120 minutes as it went into extra time at 1-1 and both sides down to ten men. Denys Harmash opened the scoring and was then later sent off for a head-butt on Moraes before Shakhtar’s goalscorer was also shown his marching orders shortly afterwards for a second yellow.
Pyatov was the hero in the penalty shootout as he saved two woeful attempts from unconventional takers; Mykolenko and Shepelev. 
CONFIRMED SEMI FINAL DRAW:
INHULETS V ZORYA LUHANSK
SHAKHTAR V DNIPRO-1
PREDICTOR TIME

A correct result (WIN / DRAW/ DEFEAT) is worth 10 points. The exact score earns an extra 40 points.
SATURDAY

Mariupol v Dynamo Kyiv
Todos’ prediction: Dynamo travel to the Azov Sea, in what is now an infamous fixture for the Kyiv side. When they refused to travel in 2017, they sacrificed 3 points and that was what the title came down to!
No repeats of that this time as Dynamo look to partake in this! They arrive on the back of defeat in the cup to Mariupol’s Donbas neighbours Shakhtar but in solely league talk, Dynamo will be perked by their sensational comeback against Zorya!
Tsyhankov will look to persist with his rich vein of form this season, whilst Verbic will be looking to rediscover some goals, something that he has been lacking since the turn of the year! However, Mariupol are taking their shot at a European spot in full stride, chasing down 3rd places Oleksandriya!
This game won’t be the easiest for Dynamo but one they should edge. Mariupol’s youngsters to show they can take on the big boys but ultimately lack of quality will show by the end. 1-3
RESULT: TBC

Shakhtar Donetsk v Zorya Luhansk
Todos’ prediction: Shakhtar go into this game missing one of their key men. Marlos, is likely to be out for a while, having had an operation in the week. Shakhtar have been drifting by since the start of the year and showed that once again last week beating Oleksandriya 1-0.
They face a more offensive threat this week in the form of Zorya but Zorya aren’t the side they’ve been in recent seasons. A feisty game is expected but a routine Shakhtar victory is all that can be envisaged. Things that are likely to feature are a goal for Junior Moraes and Pyatov to maintain his clean sheet record in the league. 2-0
RESULT: TBC

FC Lviv v Oleksandriya
Todos’ prediction: Oleksandriya will be looking to contain their 7-point lead in 3rd place as they visit the bottom club in the ‘top 6.’ 
Manager-less FC Lviv, who have been seriously short of a consistent goal scoring outlet since the turn of the year, will be wanting to kept the pace with fellow Europa League challengers Zorya and Mariupol too. 
Both sides boast a strong defence, so a low scoring game is expected but Oleksandriya have been consistent enough against sides outside the big two to bring home the three points. That confirmed debut Europa League group stage place is within reach. 0-1
RESULT: TBC
SUNDAY


Desna Chernihiv v Karpaty Lviv
Todos’ prediction: Both sides were on the winning end come 90 minutes last week. Desna saw Olimpik fairly easily but will be up against more poignant attacking opposition this week, that is if Karpaty can show something that they have presented little of so far this season; Consistency!
Shved will be wanting to maintain his red hot form and push closer to the top scorer rank but will he be able to perform against a side that isn’t Vorskla? It’s expected this game will certainly contain goals. Both sides to concede. Karpaty to be victims of their own hype. 2-1
RESULT: TBC

Arsenal Kyiv v Vorskla Poltava
Todos’ prediction: Arsenal will be positively buoyed by their sensational away win to fellow strugglers Chornomorets last week and will be looking to leapfrog their relegation rivals as they host the woeful Vorskla!
Vorskla have nosedived since the start of the year and the lack of goals (as mentioned weekly) will be their undoing again! Arsenal to do the unthinkable with their team of half decent journeymen and youngster loanees, brought in during the winter, will see them move off the bottom for the first time this season (at least temporarily).1-0
RESULT: TBC

Chornomorets Odesa v Olimpik Donetsk
Todos’ prediction: This one is a tough game to call. Both have been unbelievably sub par for the entirety of the season. A few draws against mid table opposition have saved Olimpik from sitting lower in the table but overall, Shevchuk’s side offer little either going forward or behind.
Balashov, will be a miss on the goal getting side but maybe their saving grace will be Chornomorets are even worse. With a risk of going bottom come full time, they’ll need to put in some performance and keep within sight of leaving the relegation play off zone. However, this looks highly unlikely. A drab game but it’s about time Olimpik got a win under their belts. The narrow of narrow victories. 0-1
RESULT: TBC
MATCHDAY 24 FINAL SCORE: TBC
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THE SPLIT BEGINS: UPL PREDICTOR MATCHDAY 23 2018/19


THE SPLIT BEGINS: MATCHDAY 23

THE UKRAINIAN FOOTBALL ROUND UP:
The UPL emerges from the cocoon of the early spring international break this week as the second half of the season officially kicks off! It’s a delayed start to the 23rd round with Ukrainian Presidential Elections taking precedent over the weekend, aiming to get more people out to the polling booths! With a second round on the cards we may see another shift of fixtures in a few game weeks time too, in order to accommodate that! If the first half was a caterpillar, then the second half should be a butterfly, with the more Ukrainian El Classicos, more top table clashes and the bottom sides exclusively battling relegation, right? Metaphors aside, the large majority of fans know that this is no way to play a league, with the convoluting of big game fixtures to the point where derbies are played so often they’re now rendered meaningless to seeing the bottom six play each other for a 7th place trophy. But as it is the current system, it may as well be persevered with for one more season, before the league returns to all of its 16 team glory!
Ahead of the league round up and previews, it’s certainly worth touching upon Ukraine and their largely positive start to Euro 2020 qualifying! On a warm and humid evening in Lisbon last Friday, the Yellow and Blues began their campaign away to current holders Portugal. In what was largely a one sided game, with Portugal constantly on the front foot and Ukraine holding the likes of Ronaldo off for 90 minutes, Ukraine left the Estadio Da Luz with a well deserved point after an entertaining and eventful 0-0 draw! Andriy Pyatov will take the plaudits for keeping his side in it on multiple occasions. He looks like a man possessed, when playing for the National team in recent years! His vital stops and some dogged and determined defending from a youthful back line were enough to keep the Ukrainian fans in the top tier singing into the night and the fans at home looking forward to more positive results to come! One thing that was lacking against the Navigators was any sort of threat in the final third! Bar one chance at the end, that Junior Moraes was beaten to with the goal gaping, Ukraine looked short on ideas and ability when being anywhere near the opposition box.
This was even more apparent when Ukraine went to Luxembourg 3 days later and saw out a narrow 2-1 win thanks to a last minute own goal from Gerson Fernandes, the hosts’ best player! Ukraine were actually outplayed for certain swathes of the game as the former minnows they were up against played with next to no fear! They almost took the lead earlier than they had done and it was once against Pyatov who was there with his reflexes to keep them out twice with a stunning double save. A hash clearance attempt from Butko, gifted Luxembourg their opener, one they had however deserved. Fortunately, the one bright spark of the night for Ukraine, Tsyhankov, deputizing for the injured Marlos and Yarmolenko, touched down a world class pass from Zinchenko and slotted through the keeper’s legs. The second half also saw Ukraine unable to muster a clear chance on goal, with free kicks flying anywhere but on target. Yaremchuk came on to play with Moraes up top but with two target man tap in types on the pitch, it didn’t change the game. 
It was down to Malinovskyi in the final minutes of stoppage time to whip in an inviting in-swinger from the dead ball where Ukraine’s good fortune shone on them once again. The fans behind the goal erupted, with somewhat delayed and slightly subdued fashion as they left for their hotels with 4 points from 2 games! As many have been saying, whilst the performances have been far from magnificent, Ukraine come away top of the group after two matches with two away games ticked off the list. 
With Serbia at the Lviv Arena next up in June, you can’t but help feel that the Ukraine could jam their way to Wembley in July 2020… that is however before a UEFA disciplinary panel oversees complaints from both of the Zbirna’s opponents regarding the ‘eligibility’ of Junior Moraes! Both football federations want to know whether the former Brazilian had the right to play for the National team when he moved to China for 4 months, and thus not meeting the 5 year consecutive living criteria needed for a passport! However, the FFU remain confident that this will become a non event, as the passport qualification rules are largely tangible and Moraes’ citizenship was likely granted thanks to direct government involvement. Hence, nothing to worry about it that regard… yet!
So now it’s time to gravitate back to the UPL narrative! Due to the Presidential elections, the Matchdya 23 fixtures have been spread out across the week; starting on Tuesday and the final fixture ending on Saturday!
What’s at stake now that we head into the first Matchday of the split Championship & Relegation Group format?
Well for starters in the Championship Group it is the usual suspects vying for the title. Shakhtar remain in pole position to retain the league as Dynamo still trail by 7 points. Even with two El Classico’s to come and the chance to take 6 points off the leaders, unless Shakhtar slip up against weaker opposition, which they seldom do, the UPL is currently there’s to lose. 
Dynamo are comfortably in 2ndplace with Oleksandriya drifting since the turn of the year and now trail the Kyiv club by 9 points in 3rd. However, it is highly likely that they will get a European spot as themselves as they lead Zorya in 4thby a 9 point margin themselves. 
FC Lviv and Mariupol make up the top six and are both still in with a massive chance of getting a crack at the Europa League qualifiers both level on 30 points and only trailing Zorya by 2! And depending on the winners of the Ukrainian Cup, in which the lower clubs will be backing one of the top two to do the business, as an extra Europa League spot may become available as a result of the cup antics!

Meanwhile, in the relegation group its extremely tight at the bottom. Granted Arsenal Kyiv look down and out with 12 points, with equally poor Chornomorets in 11thjust four points ahead of them. Ahead of the start of matchday 23, Olimpik Donetsk occupy the final ‘relegation play off’ spot alongside the Odesa club. Whoever ends up in 10thor 11thwill find themselves facing the 2ndand 3rdplaced sides in the Persha Liha! Karpaty are not out of danger yet either. They sit a point above the relegation play offs and will be wanting to not get sucked into another relegation scrap and great escape as has been the case for a good few years now. 
Unfortunate Desna sit in 8thon 28 points, only a point behind newly manager less Vorskla who have been seriously woeful this season, that they parted company with Vasyl Sachko who was unable to draw a goal out of his side when most needed. Desna and Vorskla are currently the favourites to pick up the ‘Best of the rest Trophy’ with the ‘prestigious’ prize being reserved to the 7thplace runner up or winner of the relegation group!
PREDICTOR TIME
A correct result (WIN / DRAW/ DEFEAT) is worth 10 points. The exact score earns an extra 40 points.
TUESDAY

Karpaty Lviv v Vorskla Poltava
Todos’ prediction: This fixture has already been played out this year and with devastating results for Vorskla. It was a true reflection of their defensive capitulation this season, combined with their serious lack of ability to score a goal. 
Maryan Shved was the star of the show that day as he picked up a hat-trick. Can we see a similar result today, it’s unlikely that Karpaty can harm their opponents 4-0 again, but as it’s a weird midweek, early 5pm KO, we can see this being a largely forgettable affair. Both teams aren’t stable enough at the back and as a result, the Lions will penetrate Shust’s goal but Vorskla will get the ball rolling under new manager Kosovskiy with a goal and a point. 1-1
RESULT: TBC

WEDNESDAY


Oleksandriya v Shakhtar Donetsk
Todos’ prediction: As three points go, this was not a guaranteed for Shakhtar earlier in the season but as Oleksandriya have begun to tread with slightly less fight since the new year, it looks more certain than ever that Shakhtar will breeze to victory in this one. Junior Moraes returns after his controversial debut for Ukraine and will look to grab another goal for his currently league top scoring campaign. Oleksandriya will certainly give it a go and hold out for as long as they can but it’s more the inevitable question of ‘when’ Shakhtar will score. Pankiv just won’t have enough to keep them out. 0-2
RESULT: TBC
Zorya Luhansk v Dynamo Kyiv
Todos’ prediction: This match ended in surprising fashion back at the Olympiyskiy in the debut Dynamo UPL game for 2019. The away side this week but the hosts on that occasion swept aside a hapless Zorya, who couldn’t defend to save their lives. Shaparenko and Verbic ran the show and led their side to a 5-0 win. It’s likely to be different this time round, with Zorya playing at ‘home’ and wanting to make amends for that humiliation.
It’s unlikely captain, Karavayev will play after picking up a serious looking injury vs Luxembourg whist on International Duty,so it will be down to ex Dynamo player Hromov to inspire Zorya to an unlikely victory. Dynamo will be looking to keep the pace with Shakhtar and will expect to get all three points. Verbic looks to be fit enough to return from injury after making his comeback for Slovenia. A repeat of his double? Potentially. This one will have goals as it usually does, but less than the previous encounter.  1-3
RESULT: TBC
FC Lviv v Mariupol
Todos’ prediction: The showdown for the final Europa League spot will begin in Lviv, as Mariupol travel from the Azov to face their level on points league challengers. 
Goals will be at a premium here, with FC Lviv seriously struggling to create, but relying on their steadfast defence and keeper to maintain they come away from games with minimum a point in tact. 1-1
RESULT: TBC
SATURDAY
Olimpik Donetsk v Desna Chernihiv
Todos’ prediction: Olimpik Donetsk’s season has been relatively poor from their perspective. They’ve been unable to play well in front of either their own or their opponents’ goal. Shevchuk has not been able to instil any defensive stability in the team, and whilst Olimpik look to have quite an array of interesting forwards, they are all out of form. 
Desna will look to put their disappointment of missing out on the top six in their debut top flight season behind them as they aim to get the best of the rest trophy and get some ‘silverware’ into the cabinet. Desna have not been scoring much either of late but it seems they are overdue some goals. They’re likely to edge this. 1-2
RESULT: TBC
Chornomorets Odesa v Arsenal Kyiv 
Todos’ prediction: The bottom two meet in this Saturday affair. Hardly a blockbuster affair. Arsenal have a chance to move within a point of their hosts. They’ve improved since the return of the UPL in February whilst not getting the results that their performances have deserved. Meanwhile, Chornomorets have trundled along, losing narrowly but not really looking like a threat at any end of the pitch. This one will be forgettable.0-0
RESULT: TBC
MATCHDAY 23 FINAL SCORE: TBC
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PREDICTOR LEADERBOARD (UPDATE IN PROGRESS)

Total scores after week 22
Todos
1060
Guests
720
Todos v Guests
P22
W15
D2  L5