Polissya vs Kryvbas prediction, probable lineups and H2H - May 25, 2025
Polissya Zhytomyr
Kryvbas
On May 25, 2025, the Central Stadium in Zhytomyr will host the final round clash of the Ukrainian Premier League between Polissya and Kryvbas. Here’s our pick for goals in this decisive encounter.
Preview
The battle for the final European ticket in the Ukrainian Premier League is coming down to the wire, promising to be the main intrigue of the last matchday. Three European spots have already been decided: Dynamo have clinched the title and a place in the Champions League group stage, Shakhtar—thanks to their Ukrainian Cup triumph—will play in the Europa League, while Oleksandriya, as runners-up, are heading to the Conference League. Now, one spot remains for a club to represent Ukraine on the continental stage.
Three contenders are left in the race: Polissya (47 points), Karpaty and Kryvbas (both on 46). Karpaty are ahead of Kryvbas due to their head-to-head advantage, but all eyes are on Zhytomyr, where two main rivals—Polissya and Kryvbas—go head-to-head.
A win guarantees the hosts fourth place regardless of other results. A draw keeps Karpaty in the hunt, as they would only need to win their simultaneous home game against Zorya. For Kryvbas, only victory will do—provided Karpaty slip up.
Both Polissya and Kryvbas picked up narrow wins last round and come into this decisive showdown in fighting spirits. The head-to-head battles this season have been even: Kryvbas won the first league meeting (3-1), but Polissya got their revenge in the Ukrainian Cup quarterfinals (2-1).
The match in Zhytomyr is not just the centerpiece of the round—it’s the climax of the entire season. Its outcome holds huge significance for all three clubs chasing that final European berth. Polissya, Kryvbas, and Karpaty all have a real shot at fourth place, and the smallest detail could prove decisive.
Probable lineups
- Polissya: Volynets, Mykhailychenko, Chobotenko, Sarapiy, Maisuradze, Andriyevskyi, Babenko, Karaman, Hutsulyak, Batista, Krushynskyi
- Kryvbas: Klishchuk, Yurchiets, Konate, Romanchuk, Kuzyk, Lunev, Vakulko, Zaderaka, Tverdokhlib, Mykytyshyn, Sozakh
Match facts and H2H
- Polissya are winless at home in their last five matches—this streak is piling on the pressure with every round.
- Kryvbas, meanwhile, have struggled to score on the road, failing to find the net in their last three away games.
- The H2H record is finely balanced: in five meetings, each side has two wins, with one draw.
- Notably, the "both teams to score" bet has landed in four of their last five encounters.
Prediction
Both teams are desperate for victory—there’s no room for caution, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Expect attacking football from both Polissya and Kryvbas as they chase their European dreams. Given the motivation and open nature of this clash, backing goals makes sense. Our pick: over 2.0 total goals at odds of 1.66.
