Preview

October 16, Zhytomyr, Central Stadium, 16:00

Match build-up

Shakhtar women's team had a rest day after a confident victory over Pantery (6-0), and then began preparations for the meeting with Polissia, training at the Academy facility in Shchaslyve. Currently, Roman Zaiev's side have 10 points after 7 matches and are 6th in the standings (3 wins, 1 draw and 3 losses, goal difference: 10-10). In the previous rounds, the Orange-and-Blacks defeated EMS-Podillia (1-0) and Kryvbas (1-0), but lost to Seasters (0-3).

Inha Mostova, defender:

– We are preparing for the match against Polissia in the usual mode and in high spirits. It is clear that the start of the season was a bit difficult, but we managed to find our rhythm and are eager to continue our winning streak. We expect an interesting meeting because Polissia are a great team with quality players.

Opponents

Last season, the Zhytomyr-based side finished the First League group stage in the 2nd spot of the standings with 31 points (10 wins, 1 draw and 3 losses), which allowed them to continue the fight for the title in the final stage, where the team lost to Seasters in the semi-final match (4-1) and then to Minaj (4-3) in a tense match for the 3rd spot.

Polissia received the right to compete at the highest level of women's competition of Ukraine after the withdrawal of Dynamo Kyiv from the tournament and Minaj’s refusal to increase their class. During the summer pre-season, the team were quite active in the transfer market, and many experienced players joined the squad, including former Shakhtar player Yuliia Semeniuk.

Mykola Podrannyi’s side approach the match against Shakhtar with 4 points and are sitting in the 9th spot of the table (1 win, 1 draw and 5 losses, goal difference: 8-24). In the previous rounds, the Zhytomyr team lost to Kolos (1-4), Vorskla (0-7) and Ladomyr (3-4), tying with Obolon (1-1). It should be noted that Polissia proved stronger than Pantery (3-1) in the Ukrainian Cup preliminary stage. The top scorer is Tetiana Tril (Poliukhovych) (6 goals in 8 matches).

Match background

The teams did not meet in the Vyshcha League.