Shakhtar Donetsk vs Dynamo Kyiv Prediction

Right then, let's have a proper look at this top-of-the-table bash in Ukraine! It's first versus second, and blimey, they've only just played each other three days ago in the Cup. Dynamo nicked that one 2-1, so there's definitely some score-settling on the cards here.

Shakhtar are sitting pretty at the top of the table, but their recent form's been a bit up and down, ain't it? They've had some proper hammerings - that 4-1 stuffing at home to LNZ Cherkasy won't have gone down well. But then they turn around and put four past Kudrivka. Talk about Jekyll and Hyde! At home, they're winning half their games, which ain't bad, but they're also letting in 1.5 goals per game on their own patch. That's a bit leaky for a title challenger, innit?

Dynamo, on the other hand, are the draw specialists this season - five draws from ten league games and still unbeaten. They've been scoring for fun too, averaging 1.9 goals per game. But away from home? They're struggling a bit, mate. No wins in their last four on the road, though they have been drawing most of 'em. The problem is they're shipping goals - 2.25 per game away from home. That's about as solid as a chocolate teapot!

When these two meet, it's usually goals galore. Six of their last eight meetings have seen both teams find the net. And get this - Shakhtar have never lost at home to Dynamo in eight meetings (two wins, six draws). That's some proper home advantage right there.

Both teams are coming into this off the back of three games in 14 days, so fatigue might play a part. But given how shaky both defences have been lately, I'm expecting fireworks. Shakhtar are averaging 1.7 goals scored and 1.1 conceded, while Dynamo are even more entertaining - 1.9 scored but 1.6 conceded. That's the recipe for a proper barnstormer!