Shakhtar Donetsk vs Lech Poznan: Match Preview, Predictions, Team News, Lineups

Shakhtar Donetsk and Lech Poznan meet in the second leg of their Conference League round-of-16 tie on Thursday. The game takes place in Krakow, with Lech remaining on home soil due to Shakhtar’s inability to host in Ukraine.

Context and recent form

Shakhtar head into the return leg with a 3-1 lead from last week’s first meeting. Marlon Gomes and Newerton put them 2-0 up, and Isaque added a late third.

The Ukrainian club collected 13 points from six group matches. They recorded four wins in that phase, with victories over Shamrock Rovers and Hamrun Spartans, plus a draw with HNK Rijeka.

Lech reached this stage via the playoffs after finishing 11th in the group phase with 11 points. They beat KuPS 3-0 over two legs to reach the knockout rounds.

Last week’s 3-1 defeat was their third straight loss in all competitions. They responded at the weekend with a 1-0 win at Zaglebie Lubin.

Key statistics

Shakhtar’s recent Conference League form shows a string of wins and draws. Their overall run includes multiple victories across competitions.

Lech’s continental form improved through the playoffs. In domestic play, they sit level near the top after the weekend victory.

Team news

Shakhtar will be without defender Valeriy Bondar for this tie. He is suspended after collecting his third yellow card in the competition.

Dmytro Kryskiv and Marlon Gomes left the first leg injured and remain doubts. Mykola Matviyenko is also sidelined.

Lech have no suspensions for the second leg. They do miss Kornel Lisman, Alex Douglas, Radoslaw Murawski and Daniel Hakans to injury.

Mikael Ishak is their main attacking threat. He scored in both the first leg and the weekend win, reaching 26 goals in 40 appearances this season.

Attack options

Shakhtar could pick Kaua Elias or Lassina Traore to lead the line. Kaua is the club’s top scorer so far with 11 goals this season.

Lech may field Mikael Ishak alongside Patrik Walemark. Luis Palma offers extra creativity from midfield.

Possible lineups

• Shakhtar (possible): Riznyk; Tobias, Marlon, Azarovi, Henrique; Ocheretko, Pedrinho, Nazaryna; Isaque, Elias, Newerton.
• Lech (possible): Mrozek; Pereira, Monka, Milic, Moutinho; Rodriguez, Kozubal; Bengtsson, Palma; Walemark, Ishak.

Match preview and predictions

This match preview focuses on tactical balance and game state heading into Krakow. Shakhtar carry a two-goal cushion and can play with a degree of control.

Lech must attack from the first whistle to overturn the deficit. That approach leaves them vulnerable to counter-attacks.

Filmogaz.com predicts a narrow Shakhtar victory on the night. Final score prediction: 2-1 to Shakhtar, meaning a 5-2 aggregate win.