The Matchday 8 encounter of the Europa League 2024/25 between Dynamo Kyiv (Ukraine) and RFS (Latvia) will take place on January 30 at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg, Germany. Dynamo Kyiv vs. RFS: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Dynamo Kyiv
Alexander Shovkovskiy's side earned their first point in the main stage of the Europa League only in the seventh round. Playing away, the Kyiv team managed to snatch a draw against Galatasaray, coming back from a two-goal deficit (3-3). Before that, the Ukrainians lost all six matches of the tournament's main stage. The team remains at the bottom of the standings and is no longer in contention for a playoff spot. It is also worth noting that Dynamo has conceded the most goals in the main stage of the Europa League – 18 goals.
Midfielder Mykola Shaparenko will not play due to suspension, while defender Denys Popov and midfielder Volodymyr Brazhko are out due to injuries.
- The Ukrainians have been unable to secure a victory in this tournament for 15 matches (2 draws and 13 losses).
- Dynamo has failed to score in 6 of their last 8 Europa League matches.
- The Kyiv side has lost the first half in 6 of their last 8 games in this European competition.
RFS
The Riga team also lacks tournament motivation in the final round. They cannot rise above 25th place. Nevertheless, in their last match of the main stage, Viktor Moroz's side surprised everyone by defeating a strong Ajax team at home with a 1-0 scoreline. This was their first victory in the main stage of this tournament, having suffered 4 losses and drawn twice before.
Midfielders Ismaël Diomandé and Mārtiņš Ķigurs are out due to injuries.
- The club has only one win in regular time in their last eight matches in this European competition (2 draws and 5 losses).
- No more than three goals have been scored in RFS's last five Europa League matches.
- The team has failed to score in the first half in five consecutive matches in this tournament.
Predicted lineups for Dynamo Kyiv vs. RFS
Dynamo Kyiv (4-3-3): Ruslan Neshcheret – Christian Bilovar, Oleksandr Tymchyk, Kostiantyn Vivcharenko, Taras Mykhayko – Mykola Mykhailenko, Mykola Shaparenko, Vitaliy Buyalskyi – Nazar Voloshyn, Vladyslav Vanat, Vladyslav Kabayev.
RFS (3-4-3): Devis Epassy – Žiga Lipušček, Herdi Prenga, Haruna Rashid Nji – Lasha Odisharia, Stefan Panić, Adam Marhiev, Roberts Savaļnieks – Dmitrijs Zelenkovs, Jānis Ikaunieks, Alen Kuadio.
The starting lineup for each team is based on their last match in this tournament.
Referee: Orel Grinfeld (Israel)
Matches – 5 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 23;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.6;
Red cards shown – 3;
Average fouls per match – 24;
Penalties – 20%.
Dynamo Kyiv vs. RFS: Match Prediction
Both opponents have played only one official match in the new year. Domestic championships start in a month; nonetheless, even without match practice, the teams performed excellently in the 7th round of the Europa League. The Ukrainians nearly defeated Galatasaray away, while the Latvians sensationally overcame Ajax.
In a match between unmotivated opponents, I will favor Alexander Shovkovskiy's side. Despite being at the bottom of the standings, Dynamo is still stronger than the Riga team in terms of squad and club rating. Moreover, the unrestrained Ukrainians performed well in their last Europa League match, showing their desire to secure their first win in the main stage. Additionally, RFS has suffered five defeats in their last six away matches in this tournament, only defeating Andorran side UE Santa Coloma. Therefore, my prediction is – Victory for Dynamo Kyiv