The Matchday 6 fixture of the group stage of the 2025/26 Conference League between Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine) and Rijeka (Croatia) will take place on 18 December at the Meiski Stadium in Krakow (Poland). Shakhtar Donetsk – Rijeka: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Shakhtar Donetsk
The club have secured at least a place in the play-offs after the "miners" beat Hamrun 2-0 away. Arda Turan's side have now won three consecutive matches in the group stage, a run that propelled the Ukrainians into second place. If Donetsk avoid defeat in this game, they can qualify directly for the round of 16. It is also worth noting that only AEK Athens (11) have scored more goals than Shakhtar (10) in the current group stage.
- The club have played seven matches in this competition, suffering just one defeat (4 wins and 2 draws).
- Exactly two or three goals were scored in 6 of Shakhtar's last 7 Conference League matches.
- Both teams scored in 5 of the club's last 7 matches in this competition.
Probable Shakhtar Donetsk starting XI (4-1-4-1)*
Kirill Fesyun – Irakliy Azarov, Valeriy Bondar, Alaa Gram, Yefim Konoplya – Yehor Nazaryna – Pedrinho, Isake, Artem Bondarenko, Lucas Ferreira – Luka Meirellis.
Only striker Alisson is sidelined with injury. Forward Lassina Traoré has been called up to his national team.
Rijeka
The Croats claimed an important victory in the last round, beating Celje 3-0 at home. The win lifted them to 14th place and now the team need not lose to reach the play-offs. There is still a chance to climb into the top eight, but that requires taking three points in Krakow. Rijeka have lost only in the opening round of the current group stage, after which they have recorded two wins and two draws. Additionally, the side conceded just one goal in their previous four matches in this competition.
- The club have gone without a win in 5 of their last 7 Conference League matches – 3 draws and 2 defeats.
- At least one opponent failed to score in 5 of Rijeka's last 6 matches in this tournament.
- No more than two goals were scored in 6 of the Croats' last 8 matches in this competition.
Probable Rijeka starting XI (4-4-2)*
Martin Zlomyslich – Ante Majstorovic, Ante Orec, Mladen Devetak, Stepan Radelic – Samuele Vignato, Dejan Petrovic, Thiago Dantas, Amer Gojak – Daniel Adu-Ajay, Toni Fruk.
Midfielder Dejan Petrovic is suspended. Midfielder Damir Krajlah and defender Mile Skoric will miss the match through injury.
Referee
Anthony Taylor (England)
Matches – 15 (International matches, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 61;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.1;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 33%.
Prediction for Shakhtar Donetsk – Rijeka
I do not expect a high-scoring encounter. The Ukrainian club are effectively already in the round of 16 and will look to secure a positive result without overexerting themselves, prioritising defensive solidity to avoid an upset. The Croats are unlikely to cause too many problems, as they rarely score more than one goal.
Away from home in this competition, Rijeka have not won in four consecutive matches and have managed just two goals during that run. Shakhtar have not conceded two or more goals in 5 of their last 7 games in this tournament, and the only side they have scored more than two against was Aberdeen. Therefore, the most likely outcome is that spectators will not see three or more goals.
My prediction – Total under 2.5
* The starting XI for each team reflects the lineup used in their last match in this competition.
