Preview

April 8, Uzhhorod, Avanhard, 14:00
Live stream – Setanta Sports+, Setanta Sports YouTube channel

Match build-up

Shakhtar continue to lead in the league standings, having gained 43 points in 18 matches (goal difference: 47–14). The advantage over the closest opponents was reduced to 1 point after a draw in the previous round, when Shakhtar were ahead twice, but did not preserve the victory over Chornomorets (2-2). By the way, in Odesa, the Orange-and-Blacks continued their scoring streak – the team have already scored in 17 consecutive matches (47 goals), and Shakhtar midfielder Dmytro Kryskiv, who scored in the goal of the Sailors in the 21st second, became the author of the fastest goal in the 2022/23 Ukrainian Premier League.

Igor Jovicevic’s lads conducted a weekly cycle of preparation for the match against Metalist in Lviv, and on Friday they arrived in Uzhhorod by bus. Taras Stepanenko (who skipped the previous match) and Viktor Korniienko (who returned after recovering after an injury) are training in the general group. Yehor Nazaryna will not play on Saturday due to the excess of cards.

Opponents

In the first season after returning to the UPL, Metalist are focused on the fight for the right to stay in the elite division. In 19 matches played, Kharkiv team gained 18 points (goal difference: 17–27) and currently are in 13th spot. The density in this part of the table is such that only 3 points separate the clubs which rank 10–15, so every point can be deciding.

The spring part of the championship has not been easy for Metalist: the team were defeated by Rukh (1-2) and Inhulets (1-2), and also played goalless draws with Oleksandriia and Kolos. So far, after the winter break, Metalist top goalscorer, Maksym Priadun, who currently has 6 goals and 3 assists, has not scored.

Match background

Shakhtar and Metalist held 39 face-to-face meetings in the Ukrainian League: the Miners won 27 matches, 10 ended in draw, Kharkiv team won 2 matches. Total goal difference: 97–29 in favour of the Orange-and-Blacks.

Previous match

On October 1, 2022, Metalist and Shakhtar met at Arena Lviv. Shakhtar had a strong first half, scoring 4 goals: forward of the Miners, Danylo Sikan, scored a hat-trick, Oleksandr Zubkov made another goal. After the break, the players who came on as substitutes scored: Lassina Traore scored in the 72nd minute, and Neven Djurasek scored in the added time. Kharkiv team were able to score a consolation goal thanks to the efforts of Chidomere. 6-1 – a crushing victory of Igor Jovicevic’s team.

Shakhtar vs Metalist match will be officiated by the judging panel headed by Oleksandr Shandor. Assistants: Denys Marchenko and Ruslan Yermolenko.