Dynamo Kiev v Shakhtar preview

Ukrainian rivals Dynamo Kiev and Shakhtar Donetsk meet in the first leg of their Uefa Cup semi-final on Thursday.

National pride at stake in Ukrainian showdown

Ukrainian rivals Dynamo Kiev and Shakhtar Donetsk meet in the first leg of their Uefa Cup semi-final on Thursday. National pride as well as a place in next month's final are at stake as the two arch-rivals lock horns. Dynamo go into the game as favourites to reach the final as they currently lead the Ukrainian Premier League and are a massive 12 points clear of second-placed Shakhtar. The home side are sweating over the fitness of Artem Kravets, who is struggling with a leg injury, but Roman Eremenko is expected to recover from a cold to play. Long-term absentees Pape Diakhate and Taras Mykhalyk are both missing with serious knee injuries. Ismael Bangoura is expected to lead the attack as Dynamo go in search of goals to gain a first-leg advantage. Shakhtar are close to full strength for the tie with no injury or suspension worries to contend with. Mykola Ischenko is available again for Mircea Lucescu after serving a ban.