The upcoming Champions League qualifying match between Dynamo Kiev and Rangers promises to be an exciting clash.
Both teams are aiming to secure a spot in the prestigious tournament's group stage, making this a crucial fixture. Below, we delve into the prediction, team form, news, and more.
Match Preview
Dynamo Kiev's Form and Prospects
Dynamo Kiev, runners-up in the Ukrainian Premier League last season, have been in impressive form leading up to this match.
They cruised through their previous qualifier against Partizan Belgrade with a commanding 6-2 first-leg victory, eventually winning 9-2 on aggregate.
This strong performance will boost their confidence as they face Rangers. Key players like Mykola Shaparenko, Volodymyr Brazhko, and veteran Andriy Yarmolenko have been instrumental in their success.
Despite playing in Poland due to ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Dynamo Kiev will aim to capitalise on their momentum.
Rangers' Form and Challenges
Rangers finished second in the Scottish Premiership last season, trailing champions Celtic by eight points.
Their recent form has been inconsistent, with a disappointing pre-season that included losses to Ajax, Manchester United, and Birmingham City. They started the new season with a goalless draw against Hearts.
Rangers' manager Philippe Clement will be keen to turn their fortunes around, especially in European competitions.
Their away form in the Europa League last season was lacklustre, which could be a concern as they face Dynamo Kiev.
Team News
Dynamo Kiev
Dynamo Kiev is expected to field a similar lineup to the one that played against Partizan.
Andriy Yarmolenko, with 23 goals in 98 UEFA appearances, will lead the attack alongside young striker Vladyslav Vanat, who scored 14 times in the Ukrainian Premier League last season.
Vitaliy Buyalskyi will captain the side from midfield.
Possible Starting Lineup: Bushchan; Karavaev, Popov, Dyachuk, Vivcharenko; Buyalskyi, Brazhko, Shaparenko; Yarmolenko, Vanat, Kabayev
Rangers
Rangers might introduce new signing Robin Propper in defence, replacing Connor Goldson.
Czech winger Vaclav Cerny could start after coming off the bench against Hearts. Connor Barron, who made his competitive debut, is likely to feature.
However, there is an injury concern for Oscar Cortes, who was substituted early in their last match.
Possible Starting Lineup: Butland; Tavernier, Souttar, Propper, Yilmaz; Diomande, Barron; Wright, Lawrence, Cerny; Dessers
Prediction
Given Dynamo Kiev's better pre-season and recent form, they are favourites to win this first leg despite the lack of home advantage. Rangers will need to be at their best to avoid a defeat.
Our Prediction: Dynamo Kiev 1-0 Rangers
Rangers 
Dynamo Kyiv 
