In a pivotal rescheduled match in the Ukrainian Premier League, Zorya will face Shakhtar Donetsk on Thursday at the Valeriy Lobanovskyi Stadium in Kyiv. Currently sitting in mid-table, Zorya will be looking to bounce back from a recent loss, while Shakhtar is riding high in a fierce title race, making this clash crucial for both sides.
Match Preview
Zorya recently suffered a 1-3 defeat against Dynamo Kyiv, which ended their unbeaten streak in 2026. Despite showing promise by taking an early lead, the team struggled to maintain their hold on the game. Coach Viktor Skrypnyk’s side has displayed consistent attacking prowess, with Pylyp Budkivskyi already netting ten goals this season, ensuring Zorya remains competitive even in tough fixtures.
Meanwhile, Shakhtar Donetsk is in remarkable form, having won three and drawn two of their five matches in April, including notable European performances against AZ Alkmaar. Domestically, a recent 1-0 victory over Polissya helped solidify their position at the top of the table. With solid squad depth and minimal injury issues, Shakhtar is well-equipped to handle a congested schedule as they aim to secure the league title.
Probable Lineups
- Zorya: Turbaevskyi — Juninho, Eskinja, Jordan, Perduta — Popara, Kushnirenko — Slesar, Andzhushych, Horbach — Budkivskyi.
- Shakhtar: Riznyk — Konoplia, Bondar, Matvienko, Pedrinho — Nazarina, Santana — Pedrinho, Bondarenko, Eguinaldo — Traoré.
Match Facts and Head-to-Head
- Shakhtar have not lost to Zorya since October 2021, winning seven and drawing two of their nine meetings.
- Zorya has scored in every match since the winter break, netting 13 times in seven games in 2026.
- In their last outing, Zorya lost to Dynamo (1-3), while Shakhtar defeated Polissya (1-0).