- Team form: Shakhtar Donetsk are unbeaten away from home in the Premier League 2025-2026 this season (P14, W9, D5).
- Recent form: Kryvbas Kriviy Rih have won three of their last five matches (D1, L1), winning two of their previous three home matches.
- Away defence: Shakhtar Donetsk have only conceded 0.64 goals per game on their travels in the Premier League 2025-2026.
Premier League title aspirations at stake in Ukraine
Shakhtar Donetsk lead the way in the Premier League 2025-2026 with 66 points from 27 games, while FC Kryvbas Kriviy Rih occupy 7th spot with 44 points, and both sides will be looking to gain an advantage in the title race with a result on Sunday.
Shakhtar Donetsk are in excellent form, winning three and losing two of their last five competitive games, recovering from a European defeat in midweek to see off SK Poltava 4-0 in their away match last time out. Kryvbas come into this matchup in excellent shape, winning three of their last five (D1, L1), including a 3-1 victory away at Veres Rivne last time out, while Shakhtar Donetsk have won three of their last four away from home (D1), making them tough to beat on the road.
Structured hosts test Shakhtar Donetsk’s speed and quality
Kryvbas setup
Patrick van Leeuwen has implemented a very structured and versatile 4-3-3 system at Kryvbas, one that has the ability to adapt to different situations, but is largely built around patient build-up play and the ability to defend collectively from the front to back. They have averaged 2.07 goals per home game in the Premier League 2025-2026, although their 1.36 goals conceded per home game highlights some defensive frailties.
Shakhtar approach
Arda Turan has instilled a different philosophy in Shakhtar Donetsk, one that can blend controlled possession with high-intensity pressing and creative wing play. They regularly vary their shape, with their full-backs often pushing high up the pitch, and they like to overload wide areas to create chances.
Tactical contrast
The contrast between the two sides’ styles should lead to an open, end-to-end game, with Kryvbas looking to control the pace and limit transitions, while Shakhtar will press relentlessly and look to overload the wings and break through the second line of defense.
Shakhtar Donetsk can secure another away win
Betting outlook
Backing Shakhtar Donetsk to win at 1.38 looks like a good pick for this game, as they have a knack of getting results on the road and seem to have a little more about them than Kryvbas in terms of attacking firepower. Over 2.5 goals is also a smart move at 1.43, while both teams to score - yes looks like a solid bet at 1.62.
Players to watch
Shakhtar are by far the better side on the day and should be able to add another away victory to their record.
- Gleiker Mendoza leads the line for Kryvbas with ten Premier League goals in 25 appearances, and he has four in his last five.
- However, Prosper Obah is the main threat for Shakhtar Donetsk with eight goals in 23 league appearances, and that should be enough for Shakhtar to find the winner on Sunday.
- Kryvbas haven’t won their last two home matches against Shakhtar Donetsk, drawing 2-2 five months ago, while they have failed to beat them in any of the last three meetings (W0, D2, L1).
