Betdistrict.com
Meaningless game in Ukraine here in Europa League group E, as Dnipro is already qualified, while Pandurii has no chance to advance. The only thing at stake is the first place, which on paper is still up for grabs, but Dnipro`s chances to get it. are extremely slim. The ukraineans defeated Pandurii 1-0 in Romania in the first group game.
Dnipro has a good squad and they are playing some good football this year. Dnipro is 3rd in the standings in Ukraine (ahead of Dinamo Kiev) and has only dropped points to Fiorentina in the Europa League. Dnipro has proved to be a very offensive team under Juande Ramos and one could expect them to put a few goals past Pandurii in this one. However, for today`s game they will have little motivation and will field some reserve players.
The romanians had a great season last year, finishing 2nd (their highest ever placement), they decreased their level a little bit this season, but they are still on track for a top finish in Romania – they are on 4th place, 5 points behind leaders Astra, but Astra also has one game in hand. However, Pandurii has improved lately and their form is really solid. Despite going 1-1-1 in the last three games, they almost beat Fiorentina and got a point about the best team in Romania, Steaua. Pandurii has a single point in the group but they played good football and only once lost by more than one goal (3-0 in Firenze). In the last European outing, Pandurii led Fiorentina 1-0 until the last 5 minutes, when the visitors managed to produce a superb comeback and win 2-1.
A particular highlight for Pandurii this season was their play on the road, especially in Europe. The romanians got much better results away from home, defeating Hapoel Tel Aviv, Braga, and also gaining their single group point so far (1-1 at Pacos).
 |
Bet with the best odds and highest limits at Pinnacle. |
Team news & lineups
Both sides have a lot of unavailable players. Dnipro will Mazuch, Strinig, Lastuvka and Douglas. Key players Konoplianka, Rotan and Zozulia will be rested. Pandurii faces a squad disaster for this one with Matulevicius, Predescu, Mamele, Ungurusan, Nicoara, Shamshin, Anton, Erico, Lazar, Elton da Silva and Rubio are all out. That`s 11 players in a team which is far from having quality replacements on the bench.
Dnipro: Bolkov – Kulakov, Mandzluk, Cereblaclko, Vlad – Giuliano, Politilo, Kankava, Khobakidze – Selenzlov, Kalnic
Pandurii: Mingote – Pleasca, Christou, Rada, Momcilovic – Breeveld, Cristea – Ciucur, Di Stefano, Buleica – Eric
Normally I would go with Pandurii to cover the 1 goal spread against a Dnipro team that lacks motivation, but the visitors are absolutely decimated with injuries and suspensions and I don`t think they can resist in this game. Dnipro is clearly the better team, and even without a couple of starters they will still field a lot of quality players and they have amazing depth. Pandurii on the other hand misses a whole team, and they do not have the required depth to replace those guys. For example, Pandurii has no striker available for today. Their bench will be mostly composed from youth players, so there`s a big chance that they could collapse towards the end of the game. Bottom line, Pandurii does not have the quality to bhe competitive with so many missing players.
Dnipro proved to be a high scoring team this season and I think they can cover a 1,5 goal handicap against Pandurii in these conditions. The ukraineans were clearly superior in Romania (1-0) and can also do the job at home against a depleted visiting side. My pick is Dnipro – Pandurii 3-0, with 2 goals coming towards the end of the game.
Pick: Dnipro (-1,5)
Odds: 2.02 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 8.16
Event date: 28 November
Editor Facts
- Rostick is 2 for 3 in picks involving Pandurii this season
