Polessya vs Shakhtar Donetsk Prediction

Right then, let's have a proper look at this top-of-the-table clash in the Ukrainian Premier League. On paper, you'd think Shakhtar, sitting pretty at the top, should stroll this one away from home. But hold your horses, because Polessya at home are no mugs.

The lads from Polessya have been banging in the goals at their own gaff - we're talking 1.80 per game on home turf, with only 0.60 conceded. They've recently put four past both SK Poltava and Veres Rivne, and kept clean sheets in both. That's proper home form, that is.

Shakhtar, yeah, they're top of the league and their away record looks tasty on paper - 80% win rate and 2.20 goals per game. But here's the thing: they just got absolutely spanked 4-1 by LNZ Cherkasy in their last outing. Shows they're not invincible, are they?

Now here's where it gets interesting. The head-to-head record might surprise you - Polessya actually have the edge at home against Shakhtar, winning 2 out of 3 meetings. Last time these two met, it finished 0-1, so these games tend to be tight affairs.

The bookies have got Polessya at 4.00 to win, which seems a bit generous considering they win 60% of their home games. Sometimes you've got to trust the stats over the league table, and Polessya's home form is solid as a rock.

Both teams like a goal, with Polessya averaging 1.60 overall and Shakhtar 1.60, but Shakhtar's away games see more action with 2.20 per game. Could be goals in this one, but I'm leaning towards the home side causing an upset.