A high-profile clash between two of the Ukrainian Premier League’s top clubs is on the agenda as Shakhtar Donetsk prepares to take on regular European contenders, FC Zorya Luhansk. With both clubs being displaced from their home cities, this match will take place at Shakhtar’s adopted “home,” Arena Lviv. As the reigning champions and perennial powerhouse of Ukrainian football, Shakhtar are the heavy favourites. However, Zorya Luhansk have long established themselves as the “best of the rest” and possess the quality to trouble any team in the league, promising a competitive and high-quality encounter.
This match preview will break down the key statistics, current form, and tactical matchups to provide expert betting tips for this important fixture. We will explore Shakhtar’s historical dominance and whether Zorya has what it takes to spring an upset.
Shakhtar Donetsk vs FC Zorya Luhansk Match Preview/Betting Preview
Team Recent Form
The champions come into this match with a perfect record, while Zorya has shown strong, competitive form, making them a dangerous opponent.
- Shakhtar Donetsk: WWWWW
- FC Zorya Luhansk: WWDWL
Key Stats
- Shakhtar Donetsk have won 14 of their last 16 matches against Zorya Luhansk in all competitions.
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in seven of the last eight meetings between these two clubs.
- Shakhtar have scored at least two goals in their last five consecutive league matches, highlighting their potent attack.
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My prediction is a 3-1 win for Shakhtar Donetsk. While Zorya are a quality side and one of the few teams in the league capable of going toe-to-toe with the giants, Shakhtar’s sheer depth of talent and consistent dominance in this fixture is undeniable. Zorya has the attacking quality to get on the scoresheet, but Shakhtar’s relentless pressure and superior firepower should see them secure a comfortable victory in what promises to be an entertaining, goal-filled match.
Shakhtar Donetsk vs FC Zorya Luhansk H2H
The head-to-head record shows a clear pattern of Shakhtar dominance, though Zorya often makes the games competitive.
- Shakhtar Donetsk have won the last five consecutive meetings between the two sides.
- Zorya Luhansk’s last victory against Shakhtar was a 1-0 win back in 2021.
- Both teams have scored in five of the last eight encounters.
- The last meeting between the sides ended in a 4-1 victory for Shakhtar.
Pre-Game Odds
- Shakhtar Donetsk Win: 1.35
- Draw: 4.80
- FC Zorya Luhansk Win: 8.00
(Odds are subject to change and may vary between bookmakers)
Team News Shakhtar Donetsk
The Miners continue to be without their powerful striker Lassina Traoré, who is on the long-term absentee list. However, manager Marino Pušić has no new injury concerns. The team’s creative hub, Georgiy Sudakov, is in sensational form and will be the key player orchestrating the attack, with Danylo Sikan expected to lead the line.
Team News FC Zorya Luhansk
The visitors have the significant advantage of a fully fit and available squad for this crucial match. With no suspensions or injuries to contend with, manager Yuriy Koval will be able to field his strongest possible lineup. Panamanian international striker Eduardo Guerrero will be the main goal threat for Zorya.
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Predicted Lineups
Shakhtar Donetsk Predicted Lineup:
Riznyk; Konoplya, Bondar, Matviyenko, Azarovi; Stepanenko; Zubkov, Bondarenko, Sudakov, Kryskiv; Sikan
FC Zorya Luhansk Predicted Lineup:
Saputin; Butko, Batagov, Snurnitsyn, Vantukh; Baindala, Jean Claude; Antyukh, Mykhaylenko, Kiriukhantsev; Guerrero
Shakhtar Donetsk vs FC Zorya Luhansk Betting Tips
- Tip 1 – Result: Shakhtar Donetsk Win
- Tip 2 – Over/Under 2.5 goals: Over 2.5 goals
- Tip 3 – Both Teams to Score: Yes
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