UEFA Champions League - Match Tips

The final matches to determine the final 32 team field takes place this week. With many of the European fixtures still hanging in the balance, there is only one match-up being separated by more than one goal.

UEFA has done a wonderful job at creating interest heading into next month's Group Stages and this week is certain to produce even more highlights. After a plethora of goals were scored in what were supposed to be cagey affairs, the blueprint has been laid out for even more explosive performances. 

20416 Dynamo Kiev vs 20417 Ajax

 The Olympic National Sports Complex , Kiev, Ukraine 
8-28-2018 - 3:00 pm ET 

The return leg of this fascinating match should be fireworks from the start, after Dutch giants Ajax racked up a 3-1 lead heading back too the Ukraine, their ungracious hosts will try and return the same type of favor, that was handed to them last week. Dynamo Kiev will start the match-day needing their own multiple goal output, in order to push for extra time, or the outright two-legged winner. 

Ajax are no strangers to European competitions,  winners of the Champions League four different times, they are truly one of the more recognizable clubs in the world. "The Sons of the Gods" are now one step away from entering their name into the final draw later this week, and with a two goal lead in their back pockets, the Dutch-men feel they have one foot in another Group Stage process.

Erik ten Hag is just another name in a long list of successful managers to grace Ajax's sidelines, the former center-back was inserted into the position in the middle of last season, and now gets his first full season to lead the club on multiple fronts. 

The visitors will be short-handed as they attempt to solidify their place in the final 32 team field, with Kasper Dolberg, Boureima Hassane Bande and Joël Veltman all definite scratches, while Vaclav Cerny and Daley Sinkgraven are major doubts to make valuable contributions on Tuesday.

There will be an added emphasis on Dusan Tadic, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Hakim Ziyech too pick up the slack, the potent danger-men will be looking to net at least one precious away goal, that could be the final nail in Dynamo Kiev's hopes of pulling a miraculous come-back. 

Ajax have had a winning track-record against the Ukrainian's, failing to lose any of their past three meetings, while routinely hitting the back of the net over that same span of play, giving them the utmost confidence they can make matters extremely difficult for the hosts.

Dynamo Kiev enter the final leg in desperation mode, after equalizing the match at 1-1 in the first half of last weeks encounter, the 'Bilo-Syn' then relinquished the lead, allowing two gut-wrenching goals before the halftime whistle, allowing Ajax to ride out a 3-1 lead heading back for the final 90 minutes.

Alyaksandr Khatskevich has the task of devising a inspirational game-plan, understanding he must get his troops too score two or more goals, while limiting the powerful Dutch side to zero goals, which will be a uphill battle.

The Ukraine's will have a full squad ahead of Tuesday's meeting, with no major injury concerns or suspensions, Khatskevich will have the capability of rolling out his most potent starting eleven.

The home side will likely send out their standard 4-2-3-1 alignment, with Artem Besedin getting the honors as the designated number nine in Dynamo Kiev's rotation. Besedin has been responsible for one goal during Champions League play, as his contributions are vital on multiple fronts, with plenty of expectations for this successful club to produce another stellar campaign.

Slovenian midfielder Benjamin Verbic has been a spark-plug for the home side during their stint in Europe so far, in just three appearances he has netted two goals, while creating mismatches moving forward in attack, he is another key component for Dynamo's chances of guaranteeing their spot in this week's Group Stage draw.

Summer signing Denis Boyko did not have his best showing in goal last week, the former Besiktas man will now get a chance at redemption, as he looks to validate his high priced transfer fee, and produce a spectacular feat in front of goal.

Dynamo Kiev have kept clean sheets during their last six home matches, giving them hope they can continue to complicate matters for visiting sides, while feeding off the energy of their supporters, who can help see them across the finish line.

Dynamo Kiev vs Ajax  - Match Prediction

Dynamo Kiev will certainly come out on the front foot, looking to get multiple goals in the back of Ajax's net as soon as possible. The visitors should be prepared for the onslaught that is sure to come, especially within the first 15-20 minutes, as the home side are certain to come out with a tremendous amount of energy. 

Both clubs have had a history of inflated score-lines when they meet-up, with each scoring in all three previous fixtures, making the possibility of a clean sheet on either side very slim.

I anticipate another fast paced event, even though Ajax would prefer to slow this match down and limit the home sides shots on goal, Dynamo will have their foot on the gas looking to push the tempo, and if they open the scoring up, Ajax will be forced to come out of their shell, and look to create space back between them and the pesky Ukraines.

Dynamo Kiev vs Ajax - Match Tips 

Over 1.5  -115 / 1.87 - Total 2nd Half Goals 

Over 2.75  -110 / 1.91  -  Total Full Time Goals

Both Teams To Score In 2nd Half  +190 / 2.9

UCL - Bonus Tips

20410 Dinamo Zagreb vs 20411 Young Boys 

8-28-2018 - 3:00 pm ET 

Both Teams To Score  -  'YES'  -140 / 1.71 
Over  2.5  -125 / 1.8 - Total Full Time Goals