U21. Shakhtar vs Desna: watch it online

March 13, Shchaslyve, Kniazha Arena, 12:00

Live stream on Shakhtar TV

Match build-up

Fernando Valente's lads are pursuing Dynamo, being three points adrift of the Kyiv side. After the winter break, the Miners produced a streak of four wins (goal difference is 13-1), with Artem Sholar scoring goals in every game.

Fernando Valente, Shakhtar U21 head coach:

“At the moment all the teams, regardless of their standing, look competitive. I look forward to meeting the aggressive opponents, but we also prepared for it. We want to win every match this season, introduce our ideas into play - this is our goal. It’s important for the players to be aware of the need to be prepared in every match. The next one is always the most important for me. I ask the guys to focus just on the upcoming encounter.”

Opponents

After 17 rounds, Desna sit in the 12th spot in the table (three wins, four draws, 10 defeats). After the winter break, the team did not score any points after losing to Zorya, Dynamo, Inhulets and Rukh. The top scorer is Denys Demyanenko (five goals), playing at left-back. The Chernihiv side base their game around defending, relying on set-pieces. Maksym Zavorotnyi will not take part in the match against Shakhtar due to earning four yellow cards.

Head-to-head record

In the U21 league, Shakhtar and Desna have met on five occasions (four wins by the Miners, one draw). The aggregate goal difference is 12-3.

Recent match

October 3, 2020. Chernihiv

Desna Chernihiv U21 2-5 (2-1) Shakhtar Donetsk U21

Goals: 1-0 Slotyuk (22’), 2-0 Demyanenko (30’ pen), 2-1 Shostak (33’), 2-2 Viunnyk (56’ pen), 2-3 Viunnyk (57’), 2-4 Chyruk (70’), 2-5 Viunnyk (84’ pen)