The 17:00 showdown between Shakhtar Donetsk and Zorya Lugansk at the Olimpiyskiy National Sports Complex in Kyiv is set to be a thrilling battle. While bookmakers favor Shakhtar, who has triumphed in 34 of 43 matches, over Zorya, who has only clinched 5 victories, the potential for an upset adds an intriguing element. Shakhtar emerged victorious in the last encounter with a 2:1 scoreline on April 22, 2024.
Field and weather conditions
Weather plays a significant role in the game, with wet or windy conditions affecting ball control and passing accuracy. Poor field conditions can also limit players’ movements and increase the risk of injury. The familiar playing conditions could potentially enhance Shakhtar’s home advantage, a factor that fans and analysts should keep in mind.
Team Form Analysis
In their previous 10 matches, Shakhtar has won 4, lost 3, and drawn 3, averaging 2 goals per game. On the other hand, Zorya had just 4 victories and averaged 1.2 goals per match. These results indicate that Shakhtar has been more consistent in scoring and winning, making goals under 3.5 seem safe.