Kolos Kovalivka
- Kolos are 6th in the Ukrainian Premier League (UPL) standings with 25 points from 16 games, a +4 goal differential, and are still in touch with the top four for next season’s European playoff.
- Sunday’s matchup is a tactical clash with Kolos Kovalivka adopting a structure-first approach where they seek to frustrate their opponents by staying compact and counter attacking or playing on the break.
Polissya Zhytomyr
- Polissya have been more consistent this season with 30 points from 16 matches, a +15 goal difference, and they are pushing for European qualification in 3rd position.
- Polissya Zhytomyr are much more progressive, playing high up the pitch and pressing their opponents, while creating their chances on the flanks and through vertical play in the center of the pitch.
Head-to-Head
The two sides have met six times competitively, with each side having won once and four draws, with three of those coming in the last five meetings.
Key Players
- Ruslan Kostyshyn has instilled a pragmatic and structured mindset into Kolos, which makes them very tough to play against and they will all execute the game plan with the aggression and discipline necessary to make it work.
- Ruslan Rotan has brought a progressive playing style to Polissya and his team’s rise up the league into the upper echelons of the Ukrainian top flight has been on the back of his team’s ability to transition from defense to attack quickly and vice versa.
- Yurii Klimchuk is Kolos’ main goal threat, he has 7 goals in the league this season and is a pacy presence on the counter, often making dangerous runs into the box late.
- Mykola Haiduchyk is Polissya’s main goal scorer with 7 UPL goals, he leads the line and his ability to make runs in behind the opposition is a major factor for his side’s success.
Betting Insights
- The main betting odds favor a Polissya win at 2.4 with Kolos at 3.21 and the draw at 2.95.
- The main selection for the game will be Under 2.5 goals at 1.52.
- Under 2.5 goals is the play here, as the weather will likely be cold, with possible snow and ice leaving a heavy pitch, and neither team is prolific in front of goal.
Prediction
This is a tight rivalry between two evenly matched teams who both have plenty to gain from Sunday’s result, a Polissya victory would tighten the top of the standings and keep their European ambitions on track, while Kolos are still within reach of a top four finish.
