Dynamo Kiev vs Porto Betting Tips

Group G looks like a pretty open group. In particular, Wednesday night’s opener between Dynamo Kiev and Porto has the look of a key contest between two sides that could be battling behind Chelsea for second place in the group and qualification for the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Dynamo Kiev sits atop the Ukrainian League and they back in the group stages of the Champions League for the first time since 2009-10. They are not heavily favoured to advance to the next stage, but this is a pretty strong squad in a Ukrainian League that is going through a strong phase.

Wednesday’s night is especially important for Dynamo Kiev. They can ill afford to lose on home soil against an important group rival, equally a win in this game could set them up for the rest of the competition.

Porto secured a pretty good away win in Primeira Liga action this weekend and currently sit atop the division, but with close competition from Sporting Lisbon and Benfica. It might be in Europe’s top competition that the loss of Jackson Martinez is felt most strongly. He has that little bit of extra quality. With or without Martinez, there’s a real chance here for Porto to progress to the knockout stages.

Three Reasons for Betting Tips

1. Two defensive-minded teams

Neither of these clubs attack with pace. They’ll both be happy to feel each other out, maintain ball possession and ensure that they have men behind the ball when defending. It could turn into a little bit of a stalemate, at least in patches.

2. Ukraine advantage

Kiev is a tough place to go and play football and this will be a serious test for Porto. They might find it difficult to break this game open and we anticipate that Dynamo will be playing to get literally anything they can here.

3. No Jackson Martinez

This is where Porto’s European pedigree will be tested. These types of games can be broken open by moments of individual brilliance. Who can take on the Martinez mantle in that regard here?