SK Poltava

vs

Shakhtar Donetsk

Predictions & Betting Tips

Relegation-threatened Poltava vs. title-chasing Shakhtar

Sunday’s clash between SK Poltava and Shakhtar Donetsk represents a clash of contrasting ambitions at opposite ends of the Premier League 2025-2026 table. Bottom of the table Poltava have just 12 points after 26 rounds of the campaign, and their record of 0 wins, 3 draws, and 2 defeats from their last 5 matches sees them sit 16th in the table ahead of the weekend’s fixtures. A 3-3 draw at home to Kryvbas followed by a 2-0 defeat away at FC Kolos Kovalivka in Poltava’s last two games does little to suggest that Pavlo Matviychenko’s men will get the better of a strong Shakhtar Donetsk side on Sunday. This SK Poltava vs Shakhtar Donetsk prediction includes the fact that the visitors are firmly in the driving seat of the Premier League 2025-2026 campaign and look in good form, having won 4 of their last 5 competitive games in all competitions. Back-to-back away victories at FK Kudrivka and FC Dynamo Kiev in the Premier League 2025-2026 underline Shakhtar Donetsk's form, and Arda Turan’s side are clear favorites for the win this weekend.

Shakhtar to outgun Poltava

Shakhtar Donetsk’s only defeat across their last 5 games was against Crystal Palace in the UEFA Conference League 2025/2026 and they are unbeaten away from home in the Premier League 2025/2026 (W8, D5 from 13 games). Poltava have won just 1 of their 13 home games in the Premier League 2025/2026 (D3, L9), and Shakhtar’s sheer quality should prove too much for them on Sunday. Shakhtar’s pressing, width and transition play should be too much for Poltava to handle and it is the visitors’ ability to stretch the opposition, create gaps, and exploit them with fast forward play that should see them claim a convincing victory. In the latest SK Poltava vs Shakhtar Donetsk preview, both teams to score - Yes at 3.72 is our predicted outcome for Sunday’s game. Shakhtar should have the quality to win this match with room to spare, but Poltava do have the players and creativity to cause problems of their own and could well get on the scoreboard. Poltava’s home goal return this season stands at 0.92 goals per game, and with Shakhtar conceding just 0.69 goals per away fixture this season, backing the visiting side to win with both teams on the scoresheet makes the most sense. Poltava play in a compact 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 formation, with the focus on organisation, not rushing, and fast vertical play off turnovers - they have been known to press a little more lately. Shakhtar meanwhile play an aggressive attacking brand of soccer. Their approach is possession-based, high pressing, and fast-paced. Based on this SK Poltava vs Shakhtar Donetsk prediction, Poltava’s main attacking threat this season has been Maksim Marusich, who is the team’s top scorer this campaign with 3 goals in 16 league appearances. Shakhtar’s main man up front is Prosper Obah, who has scored 8 goals in 22 league games this term and provides a reliable source of scoring. Our SK Poltava vs Shakhtar Donetsk betting tips suggest Shakhtar Donetsk to win and both teams to score - 2-1 away is our correct score prediction for this game.