Preview

Before the match

Shakhtar started preparing for the Donetsk derby on August 14. Ivan Ordets, Taison and Dentinho returned to the general group, with Maksym Malyshev training individually last Wednesday.

In the previous round, the Orange-and-Blacks beat Oleksandriia 2-1 away through goals by Fred and Facundo Ferreyra. Paulo Fonseca’s team sit in the second spot in the table pursuing Dynamo Kyiv.

Referee – Kostiantyn Trukhanov (Kharkiv)
Assistant referees – Semen Shlonchak (Cherkasy), Volodymyr Volodin (Kherson)
Fourth official – Mykola Kryvonosov (Kyiv)
Referee observer – Viktor Shvetsov (Odesa)
 
Opponents

In the 5th round, the accurate shot by Mokha early in the second half brought Olimpik three points in the encounter with Chornomorets. In general, Roman Sanzhar’s men produced an impressive start to the league season, being the only team to have not conceded any goals this new season. Goal difference is 5-0.

The Olympians with 11 points are sitting in the third spot. The team claimed an away win in Oleksandriia, then they drew with Zirka and Veres, also defeating Zorya and Chornomorets. We also want to recall that this summer, the Donetsk team managed to make their debut in the Europa League, where they lost to PAOK, Greece on aggregate.
 
Head-to-head record

The opponents had 8 Premier League meetings: 5 wins for Shakhtar and 3 draws. The goal difference is 24-5.

As the nominal hosts, the Miners claimed two wins with two draws and the aggregate goal difference of 11-2.

Previous league meeting

On May 21, Shakhtar received Olimpik after a bright victory in the Ukrainian Cup final. The Orange-and-Blacks appeared with a thoroughly changed squad and played from behind in the course of the game (with Serhiichuk putting his side in front in the 12th minute). Before the break, Dentinho, Alan Patrick and Tankovskyi had their chances, with Makharadze’s goal remaining intact. Activity of Paulo Fonseca’s men was crowned with success early in the second half, with Butko getting on the end of Azevedo’s cross – 1-1.

Interesting facts

In the 2016/17 season, three of the four Donetsk derbies ended with 1-1.

The Miners have scored in the current league season twice as many goals (10 vs 5).

The coach of Olimpik Roman Sanzhar began his player career at Shakhtar.