Former Dynamo Kyiv midfielder Oleksandr Aliyev shared his expectations for the match against Shakhtar on 3 November.
Alexander Aliyev- What are your expectations from the match, how will the game develop?
- Dynamo vs Shakhtar is a Ukrainian classic. There has always been tension in these matches, and there have often been sent-offs. In the second half against Barcelona, Shakhtar looked very good. If the Donetsk team plays like that, it will be very difficult for Dynamo. "I am not impressed with Dynamo right now.
- Will the absence of Yarmolenko due to injury and Vanat due to suspension affect Dynamo's game?
- Yarmola hasn't played for a long time. And without Vanat, it will be difficult for Dynamo, because apart from him, there is no one to play in attack. But Dynamo has a coaching staff, and they have to select the 11 best players at the moment.
- Do you think Surkis will fire Lucescu after the match against Shakhtar?
- I don't know. Let Lucescu play the match against Shakhtar first, and then talk about his dismissal. "Dynamo has a president, and he's the one who makes the decisions. I think Igor Mikhailovich is not impressed with Dynamo's current results. Lucescu could have been sacked a long time ago, so there are some nuances we don't know about.
- Why didn't Dynamo add any new players in the summer transfer window, not taking into account free agents and the return of loan players? Why did Surkis spend several times less than Akhmetov did at Shakhtar, even though strengthening after last season's disastrous performance was a no-brainer?
- We are at war and not every legionnaire wants to come to Ukraine. Now, young players have a great chance to make a name for themselves and gain a foothold in the squad. I'm not in favour of our clubs buying foreigners at all, let our youngsters play and show their level. Unfortunately, the youth at Dynamo is very, very weak now.
Why did Polissia bring together experienced Ukrainians, while Dynamo did not? It means that Polissia have good scouts and management who know how to find quality players.
- There are two high-profile matches in this round: "Dynamo vs Shakhtar and Pol issia vs Kryvbas. Which game do you consider to be the central one and why?
- Without a doubt, Dynamo vs Shakhtar is the central match of the round. It is a 'classic' Ukrainian football game, and there is no escaping it. There will be a big sign and names, and I hope there will be a great game.
-What is your prediction for the Dynamo vs Shakhtarmatch ?
- I come to matches to see spectacular football. Of course, I want Dynamo to win, but right now the Kyiv team is far inferior to Shakhtar. But I'll still take a chance on Dynamo winning a high-scoring match.
Andriy Piskun
