Match Preview
As Polissya Zhytomyr prepares to host Shakhtar Donetsk at the Tsentralnyi Stadion on Saturday, the contrast in form between the two teams is striking. Polissya has struggled recently, suffering four consecutive defeats before managing a draw in their last outing, while Shakhtar has shown resilience, with three draws in their last five matches. This inconsistency for Polissya could be a significant factor, especially against a side like Shakhtar, which has a reputation for capitalising on opponents' weaknesses.
Historically, the head-to-head record favours Shakhtar, who have won three of the last ten encounters, including a recent victory. However, Polissya's home advantage could play a role, as they aim to turn their fortunes around in front of their supporters. One concrete angle to consider is the potential for Shakhtar to dominate possession, which could lead to a high number of shots on goal. If Polissya can withstand early pressure and find their rhythm, they may have a chance to upset the odds, but the likelihood of Shakhtar securing a victory remains high given their superior squad depth and experience.
Dynamo Kyiv
Shakhtar Donetsk
LNZ Cherkasy
Kolos Kovalivka
Obolon'-Brovar
Kudrivka
Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih
Metalist 1925 Kharkiv
Zorya Luhansk
Polissya Zhytomyr
SK Poltava
Rukh Vynnyky
Karpaty