Preview

October 9, Rivne, Avanhard, 15:30
The live broadcast will be available on UPL.TV

Match build-up

Shakhtar return after a three-week break from competitive action and begin another busy run of fixtures. In the UPL, the Miners continue to share top spot, having collected 18 points after seven rounds and boasting the best goal difference (15-4). In their previous league match, the Pitmen beat LNZ (3-0) through goals from Pedrinho, Newertton and Isaque. The Orange-and-Blacks’ top scorers this season remain two other Brazilians – Kaua Elias and Luca Meirelles (3 goals each).

During this international break, Shakhtar had 13 players called up to their national teams, who returned to the club throughout the week. Meanwhile, Arda Turan’s side filled the break with a friendly match, comfortably beating Kryvbas (3-0) with goals from Alisson and Prosper Obah. It is also worth noting that the club’s new signing, defender Alan Matturro, made his debut for the Miners.

Opponents

After suffering two defeats at the start of the season, Veres hit their stride and went on to record three draws and two wins in their following Ukrainian league matches. The Rivne side currently sit sixth in the table with 9 points (goal difference: 6-6). With two wins in the Ukrainian Cup, Oleh Shandruk’s side have now gone seven matches unbeaten. During the international break, the Red-and-Blacks played their postponed Ukrainian Premier League fixture against Kudrivka (2-1), coming from behind to win through goals from their foreign players – Brazilian Fabrício and Portuguese player Gonçalves. The latter is the team’s top scorer this season – André has scored three goals.

Match background

In the UPL, Shakhtar and Veres have played 15 matches against each other: 11 wins for the Miners, 3 draws and 1 victory for the Rivne side. Total goal difference: 29-8 in favour of the Orange-and-Blacks.

Previous meeting

On February 27 , the teams met in the Ukrainian league at the Arena Lviv. The Miners had a clear advantage throughout the match, but managed to score the decisive goal only towards the end: in the 81st minute, following a corner, Traore hit the crossbar, and Valerii Bondar was first to the rebound and put the ball into the net. 1-0 – a win for the Orange-and-Blacks.

The Veres vs Shakhtar match will be officiated by a refereeing team led by Viktor Kopiievskyi. Assistants – Semen Shlonchak and Oleksandr Korniiko. VAR – Dmytro Panchyshyn VAR assistant – Vitalii Skoblia.