Dynamo Kyiv take on the visitors Crystal Palace in the round 1 match of UEFA Conference League group stage. The match will be played on Thursday, October 2nd at Motor Lublin Arena (Lublin).
Dynamo Kyiv remain very strong domestically. Last season in the Ukrainian Premier League they secured their first championship title in years, doing so without a single defeat. On the other hand, they lost the cup final on penalties to their old rivals Shakhtar Donetsk. More importantly, their limited potential has been evident in international competitions — not only last season, which was otherwise so successful, but also in the current campaign. This year, most of their wins again came at home, while in Europe they managed only to get past Hamrun Spartans from Malta in Champions League qualifying. They then lost twice to Pafos, 0-2 and 0-1. Dropping into the Europa League, they exited immediately, falling 1-3 to Maccabi Tel Aviv, and their narrow win in the return leg changed nothing. Dynamo’s struggles away from home have become a recurring issue, with just one victory in their last seven European away matches. Their lack of creativity in the final third leaves them vulnerable against more organized and physical opponents.
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Crystal Palace have grown under their current manager. The Eagles had been a mid-table English side under Roy Hodgson. But it was an Austrian manager who raised them to a higher level, despite working in England for just over a year. Last season began with difficulties, but Oliver Glasner was trusted and rewarded that faith by finishing 12th in the Premier League and, more importantly, lifting the FA Cup — the club’s first major trophy. After the summer break, they added the Community Shield as well, coming from behind against Liverpool before winning on penalties. Palace also avoided defeat early in the league campaign, even against tough opposition such as Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa, while once again testing themselves against the Reds. At the same time, they handled Fredrikstad in the Europa League qualifiers, winning 1-0 at home before a goalless draw in Norway. Palace’s defensive organization has become their biggest strength, keeping four clean sheets in their last six outings. Their counterattacking play, with Eberechi Eze and Olise driving transitions, makes them dangerous against sides that struggle defensively in Europe.
For the London Eagles, these are their first steps in European competition. Unsurprisingly, they have never faced the Ukrainians before. There is little to suggest Shovkovskyi’s men have improved lately. The smart bet is on an away win.
Prediction for the match: Crystal Palace to win.
