Preview

November 23, Lviv, Arena Lviv, 18:00
The live broadcast will be available on UPL.TV

Match build-up

Shakhtar gained 26 points in 12 matches (goal difference: 31–12) and are currently third. In the last month, the Miners gained momentum, winning 4 matches in a row in 3 different tournaments. Marino Pusic’s team defeated Swiss Young Boys (2-1) in the Champions League, beat Zorya (1-0) in the Ukrainian Cup, and overcame resistance of Chornomorets (2-1) and Zorya (3-0) in the league. The midfielder of the Pitmen, Artem Bondarenko, scored goals in the previous three rounds of the Premier League, he has already scored 7 goals in total. Heorhii Sudakov remains the top goalscorer of the Orange-and-Blacks this season (8 goals and 4 assists).

During the international break, 10 Shakhtar footballers played for the national teams of their countries, and in their absence, the Miners had time to play the friendly match against Nyva Ternopil from the First League (3-3), where the goals were scored by Newertton, Bartol Franjic and Marian Shved. In recent days, the entire team trained in Lviv, preparing for the match against Inhulets and the upcoming Champions League game against Dutch PSV.

Opponents

After 13 rounds, Inhulets remain the only UPL team without a win, having 6 draws and 7 losses, and they are in the last, 16th spot in the tournament table with 6 points (goal difference: 9–23). Vasyl Kobin’s team shared the points with Premier League newcomers Livyi Bereh (0-0) in the previous round. The most prolific players this season are Volodymyr Vilivald and Oleksandr Piatov (2 goals each).

Match background

Shakhtar and Inhulets played 6 matches in the Ukrainian League – the Miners were the winners in all face-to-face encounters. Total goal difference: 12–1 in favour of the Orange-and-Blacks.

Previous meeting

On May 14, 2023, the teams played in Petrove. The Miners had a significant advantage from the start of the match, but they did not manage to convert it into goals before the break. However, Yukhym Konoplia opened the scoring after Matvienko’s pass at the very beginning of the second half. Towards the end of the match, the host team remained in the minority after goalkeeper Palamarchuk was sent off, and an own goal by Inhulets defender Pavlov set the final result. 2-0 – the victory of the Pitmen.

Shakhtar vs Inhulets match will be officiated by the judging panel headed by Oleksandr Kalonov. Assistants: Valtentyn Kutsev and Nazarii Tsmokanych. VAR system will be used during the game (Klym Zabroda will be the VAR referee).