Match Overview

The initial playoff fixture in the UEFA Europa Conference League 2025/26 qualifiers between Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine) and Servette (Switzerland) is scheduled for August 21st at the Stadion Miejski in Krakow, Poland. This encounter promises to be a pivotal one, with both teams vying for a spot in the main stage of the competition. Below, we provide an in-depth analysis, key statistics, and a betting prediction for the Shakhtar Donetsk vs Servette match.

Shakhtar Donetsk: Season Review

As the Ukrainian Cup holder, Shakhtar Donetsk began their European campaign in the Europa League. The Miners navigated two qualification rounds with relative ease, overcoming Ilves and Besiktas. However, their journey in the Europa League qualifiers concluded in the last stage, where they were bested by Panathinaikos. Following two goalless draws, the Donbas side lost 3-4 in a penalty shootout. Despite not suffering a single defeat in regular time during their Europa League qualification (3 wins, 3 draws), the team exited the competition. Consequently, Shakhtar will make their debut appearance in the UEFA Europa Conference League this season.

• The Ukrainian side kept a clean sheet in regular time in 5 out of their last 6 Europa League matches.
• At home, the team boasts a 4-match unbeaten run in European competitions (3 wins and 1 draw) within regular time.
• The Miners scored exactly 1 or 2 goals in regular time in 10 of their last 12 home European fixtures.

Shakhtar Donetsk Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)*

Dmitry Riznyk – Mykola Matviyenko, Pedro Henrique Azevedo, Valeriy Bondar, Yukhym Konoplya – Oleh Ocheretko, Artem Bondarenko, Georgiy Sudakov – Newerton, Pedrinho, Alisson.

Servette FC: European Campaign Analysis

Jocelyn Gourvennec’s side, as their domestic league’s silver medalists, commenced their European journey in the Champions League’s 2nd qualifying round. There, they were immediately eliminated by Viktoria Plzen over two legs (1-0, 1-3). The Swiss team’s stay in the Europa League was also brief, as they lost both encounters to Utrecht (1-3, 1-2). Servette has previous experience in the Conference League, having reached the group stage in 2023. However, last season, Servette fell to Chelsea in the Conference League playoffs (0-2, 2-1 over two legs).

• The team remained undefeated in regular time in 6 of their last 7 Conference League matches (3 wins and 3 draws).
• At least one team failed to score in regular time in 7 of Servette’s last 8 matches in this competition.
• In their last 4 away matches in this European competition, the club managed to score only 1 goal in regular time.

Servette FC Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)*

Joël Mall – Anthony Baron, Bradley Mazikou, Dylan Bronn, Loun Srdanovic – Lamine Fomba, Timothée Cognat – Alexis Antunes, Miroslav Stevanovic, Giotto Morandi – Keiyan Varela.

Referee Information

Nicholas Walsh (Scotland)

Matches officiated: 11 (International fixtures, 2024/25–2025/26);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows): 66;

Average yellow cards per match: 6;

Red cards shown: 5;

Average fouls per match: 29;

Penalties awarded: 27%.

Match Prediction: Analysis

Shakhtar, a perennial participant in the Champions League, unexpectedly found themselves in the early stages of Europa League qualification this season. However, even in Europe’s second-tier competition, the team failed to reach the group stage, leading to their historic debut in the UEFA Europa Conference League. The Ukrainian club is demonstrably stronger and more experienced than their Swiss counterparts, and they are expected to overcome this opponent, especially on their home turf.

 

Defensive Strength & Away Struggles

I believe that Shakhtar will, at the very least, manage to keep a clean sheet in Poland. Despite their Europa League exit, the team conceded no goals in 5 out of 6 matches during their current European qualification campaign. Furthermore, in their last 4 home fixtures across the Europa League and Champions League, the club has consistently prevented opponents from scoring. Conversely, Servette has struggled offensively on the road, managing only 1 goal in their last 4 away Conference League matches – against Ludogorets.

 

Final Prediction

My prediction for this match is Servette Total Goals Under 0.5 with an attractive odd of 2.24.

* For each team, the starting lineup from their previous match is indicated.