Preview

March 8, Lviv, Arena Lviv, 18:00
Live broadcast will be available on UPL.TV

Match build-up

Shakhtar have 37 points with the best goal difference (34-15) and are in the second spot in the tournament table after 17 matches. In the previous meeting, the Orange-and-Blacks claimed an impressive and important victory over one of the competitors in the fight for the title, Kryvbas (5-2). The coach of the Pitmen Marino Pusic was recognized as the coach of the Premier League round, with midfielder of the Miners Dmytro Kryskiv, who scored a double against the Kryvyi Rih side, being named as the best player. It is Kryskiv who is the team's most prolific player in the current championship (6 goals and 2 assists).

Shakhtar were preparing for the match in Lviv, where the team will play 3 home games in a row. Besides, the meeting with Kolos will also take place at the Lviv Arena in the presence of a limited number of fans (up to 500 spectators).

Opponents

The opponents gained 24 points in 18 matches played and are currently in 8th spot. At the same time, the Kovalivka-based team demonstrate the most reliable game in defence – they only conceded 11 times with 13 scored goals. It is interesting that this season Yaroslav Vyshniak's men have not yet conceded more than 1 goal in away games. After the winter break, Kolos played 2 matches. First, Veres were beaten away (2-0) through the goals from the best scorer of the Kovalivka team Andrii Tsurykov (3 goals in this championship) and Lithuanian newcomer Gytis Paulauskas, and in the last round, the White-and-Blacks lost to Rukh at home (0-1). Main central defender of the team Valerii Bondarenko will miss the match against the Miners due to suspension.

Match background

Shakhtar and Kolos played 10 matches in the Ukrainian Premier League: the Orange-and-Blacks won 9 times, with one meeting ending in a draw. Total goal difference: 27-6 in favour of the Miners.

Previous meeting

On August 27, 2023, Kolos hosted Shakhtar in the first stage of the UPL in Kovalivka. The match took place with the game advantage of the visitors, which they converted into 2 goals: in the 24th minute, Yehor Nazaryna opened the score, and a moment before the break, Oleksii Kashchuk made the final result. 2-0 – win by the Miners.

Shakhtar vs Kolos match will be officiated by the judging panel headed by Maksym Kozyriatskyi. Assistants: Denys Romanov and Yaroslav Trekhlib. VAR system will be used during the game (Oleksii Derevinskyi will be the VAR referee).