Dynamo Kyiv’s former AC Milan and Chelsea star Andriy Shevchenko last night stepped to the plate, as we predicted, scoring the only goal that helped his side snatch a 1:0 victory over city rivals Arsenal Kyiv. The remaining question now is whether Andriy and company can put up serious resistance against an England squad that has been sweeping opponents aside one after the other so far in World Cup 2010 qualifiers.

Granted, England should find it hard to muster the needed motivation for the game, as qualification for the world’s football showcase even is already in the bag. But if they lose to Ukraine, that could only help their bitter group rivals, Croatia. We believe, however, that such a scenario is very likely.

Our prognosis is that Ukraine will win, and that Shevchenko’s FTBL rating will not fall below its current level. After the game against Andorra on October 14, Shevchenko should add another 20 rating points and hit the 80-point mark.