Match Previews

Metalist go into all Ukrainian UEFA Cup tie with Dynamo as underdogs. A win over Sampdoria in the last round has given them the chance to feature in this historic game. Marco Devic (k) (att) is a doubt. Squad not yet announced... Never before have two Ukrainian sides met in this competition but this Thursday will see two great rivals go head to head for a spot in the next round of the UEFA Cup. Metalist Kharkiv, who convincingly eliminated the Italian side, Sampdoria last time out, will make the trip to the capital to face runaway domestic league leaders Dynamo Kyiv. They will be out for revenge too as Metalist fell to a comprehensive 2-0 home defeat to the same side a matter of weeks ago. While league honours appear to be out of reach the best tonic for the players, staff and fans alike would be to win this historic encounter. They have some good European form behind them too. Myron Markevich's side are on a seven match unbeaten streak which has included three consecutive 1-0 victories in their latest encounters. Brazilian striker, Jaja, current Ukrainian player of the year, will be the man most likely to lead their charge for glory. He is Kharkiv's current top scorer in this season's competition and will be hoping to add to his tally on Thursday to give his side a crucial away goal advantage. Striker, Marco Devic is just feeling his way back to fitness and is only expected to start on the bench on Thursday evening. Gueye and Seweryn Gancarczyk will have to tread carefully in Kiev with both men only a booking away from potentially missing the return match a week later. Despite being underdogs for this clash Metalist have enough about them to pull of another European surprise. A low score line or even an away goal will put them in the box seat to win this clash.