Former Ukraine midfielder Oleh Shelayev shared his expectations of the Ukrainian championship match between Shakhtar and Dynamo.
- Today we will do without open football, the goalkeepers will not often have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills. Both teams will take no chances.
- But while Shakhtar are happy with a draw, as they are 4 points ahead of Dynamo, Kyiv need to win to keep their chances of being first.
- I don't think Dynamo have any strong arguments to play with an open mind in their rivalry with Shakhtar. Still, the Miners have stronger players individually. That's why the visitors will try to play cautiously, compactly and wait for their chance on counterattacks or during set-pieces.
- What trump cards can pay dividends for the Miners to overcome the Dynamo barrier?
- In my opinion, they have more personalities in their ranks. Secondly, Donetsk are more interesting in the final stages of the attack. Thirdly, it is very important that the legionnaires of the nominal hosts will be motivated to the maximum. After all, in case of a victory, Shakhtar will become the champions ahead of schedule, and immediately after the Ukrainian Cup final, they may be sent on leave without participating in the final two matches. As you can see, there is an incentive to do their best.
- Both teams have new head coaches, which of them impresses you more?
- First of all, it is important that they do not take someone else's place. "Shakhtar under Marino Pushic has already managed to prove itself on the international stage and is close to putting gold medals in the Cup.
And Oleksandr Shovkovskyi stabilised the squad, which immediately had a positive effect on Dynamo's play, with the Kyiv side using vertical passes more often, making their actions more spectacular. As you can see, both coaches have their own merits, and it will be all the more interesting to watch their teams compete.
- Maybe at this crucial moment for the Kyiv team, the veteran Andriy Yarmolenko will have his say?
- I am convinced that Andriy Yarmolenko, who is now like a playing coach, is also to blame for Dynamo's second place finish, as he has helped the team improve their discipline and the team's microclimate. With Andrii's help, his young partners better understand what the manager Oleksandr Shovkovskyi wants from them.
Still, with a more balanced squad and higher team speed, the Shakhtar will make life difficult for Yarmolenko and it will be hard for him to take over the game.
- Then finally, try yourself as an oracle?
- Shakhtar will win with a one-goal advantage and kill the intrigue in the fight for the league title.
Andrii Pysarenko