Just like the good old days of the European Cup Winners Cup (remember that? We played in it a few times I think) this game brings together the Scottish and Ukrainian cup winners. Shakhtar Donetsk beat the Ukrainian champions on penalties in the final. A great way to win it.
They changed manager in summer and so far he's unbeaten over 90 minutes. Their only loss was on penalties to Panathinaikos.
They've won away from home this season at Besiktas and Servette, and drew away to Panathinaikos. So fair to say we're massive underdogs for this.
Do we rest players for Dundee? Every game gets billed as a "must-win" just now only for it not to be, but I think failure to win that one might be a defeat too far for the board.
Dorrington, Bilalovic and Ambrose all definitely can't play anyway as they're not in the squad. Would like Bilalovic at least to get a run out v Dundee.
Personally, I'd stick with a similar team that started at Fir Park and the 5-2-3, get some familiarity into it. Just three changes: Nisbet, Aouchiche, Palaversa out; Lazetic, Armstrong, Clarkson in. Even if we lose, a big performance at least (and whisper it, maybe even a goal) would give us a badly needed lift.