Preview

October 18, Zhytomyr, Polissia Central City Stadium, 18:00
The live broadcast will be available on UPL.TV

Match build-up

Shakhtar are leading the Ukrainian Premier League with 17 points after 8 rounds (goal difference: 15-8). The most prolific players of the Orange-and-Blacks this season are forward Kaua Elias (5 goals) and midfielders Alisson (4 goals, 6 assists) and Pedrinho (4 goals, 4 assists). Incidentally, it was Pedrinho whom the fans named the team’s best player in September through voting on social media.

During the nearly two-week break in club football, Arda Turan’s side filled the time with training process: in the absence of 11 internationals, the Miners worked on tactical and game aspects at their base in Lviv. It is worth noting that Brazilian forward Eguinaldo has returned to training in the main group after missing almost two months through injury.

Opponents

Polissia collected 15 points in 8 rounds (goal difference: 14-8), which places the team in the top five of the Ukrainian Premier League. After a difficult start to the season, Ruslan Rotan’s men have found their rhythm and won their last four league matches. In the previous round, the Zhytomyr side recorded a convincing home victory over league newcomers Poltava (4-0) through goals from Veleten, Braharu, Sarapii and Haiduchyk. Polissia’s top scorer this season is forward Mykola Haiduchyk with five goals. During the international break, the Green-and-Yellows played a friendly against Kolos, earning a hard-fought win (2-1).

Match background

Shakhtar and Polissia faced each other 4 times in the Ukrainian Premier League: 3 victories for the Zhytomyr side, 1 draw.

Previous meeting

On April 23, the teams met in the Ukrainian Cup semi-final game in Zhytomyr. The regular time was a tense contest that ended goalless, but in the second extra-time period, the Miners managed to snatch a 1-0 victory thanks to Alisson’s goal in the 113th minute.

The Polissia vs Shakhtar match will be officiated by the judging panel headed by Oleksandr Afanasiev. Assistant: Ihor Rybchenko and Denys Romanov. VAR – Ihor Balakin.