LNZ Cherkasy vs Shakhtar Donetsk: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups – 13 April 2026
LNZ Cherkasy
The Matchday 23 fixture of the Ukrainian Premier League between LNZ Cherkasy and Shakhtar Donetsk will take place on Monday, April 13, 2026, at the Cherkasy Arena. This clash is the headline event of the round, as it pits the league's frontrunners against each other.
Match preview
LNZ, under the guidance of Vitalii Ponomariev, is enjoying a phenomenal 2025/26 season, sitting atop the table with 50 points from 22 matches. The Cherkasy club has been the breakout sensation of the year, showcasing incredible defensive solidity—just 12 goals conceded all season (the best record, tied with Shakhtar). In the previous round, LNZ thrashed Kryvbas 3-0, extending their unbeaten run. Their style is highly organized, and attacking leader Mark Assinor, already with 7 league goals, is in superb form.
This is a moment of truth for LNZ. A win over Shakhtar would cement their lead and make a bold statement in the title race. At present, the hosts have no injuries or suspensions, allowing them to field their strongest lineup. At home, LNZ often plays a reactive game against the giants, relying on compactness in midfield and lightning-fast counterattacks. Having conceded only once in their last five matches, breaking down their defense will be a serious challenge—even for the reigning champions.
Shakhtar are in second place (50 points with a game in hand) and remain the league's most prolific side (51 goals scored). This week, the Miners played a European fixture against Dutch outfit AZ and cruised to a 3-0 victory. Spirits are high heading into the league showdown. Last round, Shakhtar also dispatched Rukh with a confident 3-0 scoreline. The team is in excellent form, making them favorites in any UPL matchup.
However, Shakhtar are dealing with squad issues: Marlon Gomes and Dmytro Kryskiv may miss out due to muscle injuries. Without these creative operators, much will rest on Pedrinho and winger Eguinaldo, who has just returned from injury. As usual, Shakhtar will dominate possession (65–70%), seeking to unlock Cherkasy's packed defense. For the Donetsk side, it's vital to avoid LNZ's counterattacks—every slip-up could be decisive in the title chase.
Key facts and head-to-head
- LNZ have won four matches in a row.
- LNZ scored first in four of their last five outings.
- Four of Shakhtar's last five games featured over two goals.
- Shakhtar opened the scoring in seven of their last eight matches.
- These sides have met five times, with Shakhtar winning four and LNZ just once.
- The first-round fixture saw LNZ triumph 4-1.
Probable lineups
- LNZ: Palamarchuk - Pasich, Horin, Muravskyi, Didyk, Drambaev - Ryabov, Pastukh, Tverdokhlib - Assinor, Kravchuk
- Shakhtar: Riznyk - Konoplia, Bondar, Matviyenko, Pedro Enrique - Nazaryna, Bondarenko, Alisson - Pedrinho, Eguinaldo, Traoré
Prediction
We're set for a showdown between the most disciplined defenses in Ukraine. LNZ will build their trademark defensive wall, which has proven nearly impenetrable all season. Shakhtar, with their superior individual quality, will control proceedings, but are unlikely to carve out many chances against such an organized unit. Given the immense stakes in the title race and Shakhtar's shortage of creative options, a goal fest seems improbable. Most likely, a single moment of brilliance will decide it, or the match will end in a goalless draw. My prediction: Under 2.5 goals.
