Preview

April 27, Cherkasy, Cherkasy Arena, 15:30
The live broadcast will be available on UPL.TV

Match build-up

Shakhtar are leading the tile race with 58 points from 24 matches played (goal difference: 51-20). Marino Pusic's team have already won the last 11 matches of the championship, and claimed a comeback win over Zorya (2-1) through the goals of Eguinaldo and Danylo Sikan in the previous round. The Ukrainian forward has already scored in the third match in a row and is the best striker of the Miners with 13 goals in all tournaments this season.

The Pitmen had time to hold two training sessions in Sviatoshyn ahead of the game against LNZ, paying the main attention to tactical aspects. Let's add that Oleksandr Zubkov, one of the leaders of the Orange-and-Black, is returning to the team after a two-game suspension.

Opponents

In their debut season in the Premier League, LNZ are showing decent results and are currently in the 7th spot in the league table with 32 points (goal difference: 25-28). Oleh Dulub's men had a difficult start to the spring part of the season, but gradually gained momentum and claimed 7 points in the last 3 matches, tying with Dynamo (1-1) and beating Veres (1-0) and Oleksandriia (2-1). The most prolific player of the Cherkasy-based side Vladyslav Naumets (4 goals in the current UPL season) and the newcomer of the club, forward from Cape Verde Eynel Soares, scored in the previous game.

Previous meeting

The first and so far the only match in the history of meetings between Shakhtar and LNZ took place on October 21, 2023 in Lviv within the Ukrainian Premier League round 11. The Orange-and-Blacks had the game advantage throughout the match and turned it into 3 scored goals. In the 20th minute, Sikan opened the score after Zubkov’s pass, with Kevin Kelsey, who subbed in, securing a brace at the end of the game. 3-0 – victory of the Miners.

LNZ vs Shakhtar match will be officiated by the judging panel headed by Viktor Kopiievskyi. Assistants: Valentyn Kutsev and Maryna Striletska. VAR system will be used during the game (Maksym Kozyriatskyi will be the VAR referee).