FC Kharkiv vs Shakhtar Donetsk — AI prediction

Kick-off: 2026-08-16

Shakhtar Donetsk is the clear favourite. They lead the Ukrainian Premier League standings with 6 points from 2 matches, a +6 goal difference, and a recent record of WWDDW (9 goals for, 1 against). FC Kharkiv, by contrast, sits 7th with 3 points from 1 match and a troubling last-5 form of LLWLL, having conceded 9 goals across their last five outings. Shakhtar's defensive solidity and attacking firepower (5–1 win over Kudrivka, 2–0 over Epitsentr Dunayivtsi) far outpace Kharkiv's fragility. The away side should dominate despite playing at Arena Livyi Bereg.

Key factors

• Shakhtar Donetsk: 1st place, 6 pts from 2 matches, +6 GD; last-5 record WWDDW (9 GF, 1 GA).
• FC Kharkiv: 7th place, 3 pts from 1 match, +1 GD; last-5 record LLWLL (4 GF, 9 GA) — defensive crisis.
• Shakhtar's recent wins include 5–1 (Kudrivka) and 2–0 (Epitsentr); Kharkiv lost 1–3 (Polessya) and 1–2 (Livyi Bereh).
• No injuries or key absences reported for either side; lineups unavailable.
• Home advantage modest; Shakhtar's overall form and defensive record dominate the contest.
• Early season (2 matches played for Shakhtar, 1 for Kharkiv), but Shakhtar's competitive edge is substantial and evident in standings and goal data.

Win probability

• FC Kharkiv: 15%
• Draw: 17%
• Shakhtar Donetsk: 68%

Goals & scoring

• Over 2.5 goals: 62%
• Both teams to score: 45%

Recent form

FC Kharkiv: LLWLL · Shakhtar Donetsk: WWDDW

Standings

• FC Kharkiv: 7th in Premier League, 3 pts
• Shakhtar Donetsk: 1st in Premier League, 6 pts