UEFA Cup Semis – Dynamo K vs. Shakhtar Donetsk

Ukrainian football broke new ground this season as three clubs advanced into the UEFA Cup knockout stages; and two are still alive in the competition, set to collide in a thrilling all-Ukrainian semi-final clash on Thursday.

The first chapter of the Dynamo Kiev and Shakhtar Donetsk tie is drawing near with the first leg kicking off tomorrow night in Kiev. The buzz in Ukraine and amongst soccer fans in that corner of the world is infectious. Not since 1999, when Valeri Lobanovsky guided a Dynamo side to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals has Ukrainian football enjoyed such attention. Certainly, a Ukrainian side will negotiate a position in the competitions final movement, which would be a first in that country’s history, and possibly even win the coveted prize. But which side will it be is the question inquiring soccer minds want to know.

Yuri Semin is confident his side Dynamo are ready for their domestic rivals. Yet, BetOnline bookies are not so certain, installing Dynamo as the marginal favourites at -125 on the futures market to qualify into the final over Shakhtar at -115 favourite odds. In terms of the first leg, they are also cautious, giving Dynamo only even odds to win at home, but solid +260 underdog odds to Shakhtar for the away win. How’s that for a vote of confidence.

Soccer Betting Line:

Dynamo Kiev -½ Ev Ev 2 O -125 U +105 1 O -140 U +110 Draw +225

Shakhtar Donetsk +½ -120 +260 2 O -125 U +105 1 O +120 U -150 Draw +225

Futures Odds: To Qualify into the Final

Dynamo Kiev -125

Shakhtar Donetsk -115

Match Time: 12:45 P.M. Eastern Time Thursday April 30 2009

Venue: Valeri Lobanovsky Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine

Soccer Betting Analysis: On the domestic front, Dynamo have all but secured the domestic title. Their success spills over internationally as well. Dynamo eliminated Tottenham, Metalurg and PSG in the knockout stages to reach the semi-finals. They are now close to eliminating their biggest rivals to reach the final.

By contrast, Shakhtar enjoyed a shaky start at home and they quickly dropped out of the title race. Though it was a domestic disappointment, it turned out to be a good thing for them on the international stage as they were able to focus on their Champions League bid. They played well but failed to qualify into the knockout stages, instead they settled for a third spot finish in the Group stage and continued their European bid in UEFA Cup. Shakhtar beat CSKA and Marseille to reach the semis.

Soccer Betting Verdict: These two sides know each other well so there will be no surprises. The outcome of this match will not be straightforward. Dynamo has the home patch edge so there is value in the home win, but Shakhtar cannot be underestimated. Both will be looking to score so take the over 2 goals at -125. I expect that this will end in a draw, as both sides will be cautious not to give up ground, leaving their tie to be decided in the return leg.

Soccer Free Picks: Draw +225| Over 2 goals -125