- League positions: Metalist 1925 are fifth in the Premier League 2025-2026 table with 46 points from 27 games, while Epitsentr Dunayivtsi are 12th, having earned 27 points in as many games.
- Home scoring: The hosts average 1.08 goals per game at home and have found the net 14 times in their 13 Premier League home games this season.
- Away defence: FC Epitsentr Dunayivtsi have conceded 22 goals in 14 Premier League away games (W4, D3, L7), which will offer Metalist plenty of encouragement.
Mladen’s men can make their mark
Key man:
Metalist 1925 look to have a happy knack of scoring the goals that matter and they have Peter Itodo to thank for that. The Nigerian striker has nine league goals in 23 appearances, but his timing and predatory instinct is what makes him a talisman for his team. He has scored two of his team’s last three goals and will be the focal point of Metalist’s attacking moves again on Saturday.
Manager's impact:
Boss Mladen Bartulovic has made his mark on the club since taking over in June 2025, switching them from a cautious, defensive set-up to a high-octane pressing style which demands bravery and balls in abundance from his players. In some ways, this game is a perfect test of his tactical prowess and Epitsentr’s defensive discipline.
Solid Epitsentr can stay in the game
Sergiy Nagornyak has built a solid, if unspectacular, side since taking over in September 2022 and his side come into the clash unbeaten in five (D4, W1). The visitors have drawn their last two away games and will probably be very content to come away with a point here.
- Epitsentr’s last two games have been a 2-2 away draw at Obolon Kyiv and a dramatic 3-2 home win over Polissya Zhytomyr.
- Both matches demonstrate their counter-attacking style, compact defensive block and ability to grind out results when they need to, which is just what is needed to avoid the relegation zone.
- Vadym Sydun is a hard worker and the team’s main goal-getter with seven in 26 league games, three of which have come in their last six.
Back Both Teams to Score
Metalist are 1.6 favorites here, which seems a little short given Epitsentr’s unbeaten run of late. The visitors are as big as 5.3, which seems a bit generous given the home-field advantage and the quality of their opponents.
The last meeting ended all square five months ago and this fixture is always a bit cagey with both managers looking to prove a point to the other. We will side with the hosts to edge a competitive game, but the 1.93 on offer for Both Teams to Score looks fair given the recent defensive records of both.
