Preview

September 5, Lviv, Ukraina Stadium, 18:00
The live broadcast will be available on UPL.TV

Match build-up

Shakhtar began the season with three wins – against Kudrivka (5-1), Epicentr (2-0) and Kharkiv (1-0) – but in their previous match, Arda Turan’s side dropped points for the first time, losing at home to Polissia (0-2). After four rounds, the Miners have 9 points (goal difference: 8-3) and sit among the league’s top three. The UPL scoring race are currently led by Shakhtar forward Kaua Elias, who has scored 3 goals. Meanwhile, fans recognised the performance of another Brazilian, winger Alisson, voting for him on social media as the Player of the Month for August.

It should be noted that the match in Lviv marks the beginning of a busy period for Shakhtar, with the players set to play 5 matches in 3 competitions over 15 days. Next week, the Pitmen will begin their UEFA Champions League league phase campaign with an away clash with Dutch side PSV in Eindhoven. As a reminder, Champions League packages for Shakhtar’s home European matches, as well as season tickets and tickets for UPL matches, can be purchased at shakhtar.com.

Opponents

Karpaty made a strong start to the new season, recording impressive wins in the opening rounds against Kryvbas (4-1), LNZ (3-0) and Bukovyna (3-0), as well as beating Obolon (2-0) in the first round of the Ukrainian Cup. It was only in the previous league round that the Lviv side slipped up, drawing with Livyi Bereh (1-1) in a match that lasted more than five hours due to an air raid alert. The team, managed by Spaniard Fran Fernández, currently top the league table with 10 points and the best goal difference (11-2). The Lions’ leading scorers are Felippe Vieira (3 goals and 2 assists) and Yan Kostenko (2 goals and 3 assists).

Match background

Shakhtar and the new Karpaty have met four times in the Ukrainian Premier League: 2 wins for the Miners and 2 draws. Total goal difference: 11-5 in favour of the Pitmen.

Previous meeting

On February 22, the Orange-and-Blacks hosted their opponents in a UPL match at the Arena Lviv. The hero of the match was Shakhtar Burkina Faso striker Lassina Traore, who completed a hat-trick with goals in the 67th, 71st and 82nd minutes. Arda Turan’s side went on to secure a 3-0 victory.

The Karpaty vs Shakhtar match will be officiated by a refereeing team headed by Oleksandr Afanasiev. Assistant – Ihor Rybchenko and Denys Romanov. VAR – Ihor Balakin. VAR assistant – Oleksandr Berkut.