Jason Collins
Dailysports's expert
Vorskla
Shakhtar Donetsk
Within the first round of the UPL, Vorskla - Shakhtar Donetsk will meet. Prediction for the match between these rivals is made by Dailysports experts.
Vorskla
Poltava club in the last championship failed, taking a modest ninth place, with the European cups being far away. Such a fiasco can be partially explained by the fact that a bet was made on the Cup of Ukraine, there they reached the final, where they lost, just to Shakhtar.
Vorskla had a good summer friendlies, 4 wins and one draw, although it should be noted that these matches were against Ukrainian clubs of lower class. Poltava are definitely capable of fighting for the top-5 of the UPL, they have experience, a good squad, as well as a financial base.
Shakhtar Donetsk
Ukrainian grand last season made a "golden double" in the domestic arena, while the team did not look powerful in the European competitions. "Pitmen" this season will be able to play in the main net of the Champions League, which is already interesting.
In the off-season, Shakhtar held eight friendlies, playing with mixed success, they won three times, lost the same number of times and twice the matches ended in a draw. Of course, the team is again tasked to win everything in the domestic arena, besides, they need to perform well in the European cups. The problem with home games remains, such matches in the Champions League will have to be played on a neutral field because of the situation in the country.
Interesting facts about the match and history of head-to-head meetings
- The rivals crossed paths three times last season, in the championship they exchanged away victories, and in the Ukrainian Cup Shakhtar won 2-1.
- "Pitmen" have not beaten three years of the opponent with a difference of more than one goal.
- Bookmakers' quotes: W1 - 11.5, X - 5.6, W2 - 1.35.
Vorskla vs Shakhtar Donetsk Prediction
It is difficult to show their maximum, so I expect a difficult game, where the favorite will have to try hard to take away three points. Vorskla is an experienced team and can grab the points. I will risk to bet on the success of the home team with +1.5 goals for a fat odds.
