Kovalov gave a forecast for the upcoming UPL round

Tomorrow, September 4, the 5th round starts in the Ukrainian Premier League, in which two central matches of the tour will take place. In Lviv, the leaders of the tournament table "Karpaty" will play against the current champion "Shakhtar", and in the capital, "Dynamo" will host the silver medalist of the last championship LNZ. Former midfielder of the Ukrainian national team Serhiy Kovalov exclusively gave his forecast for the website Sport.ua not only for these matches, but for all the matches of the upcoming game weekend.

04.09.26

"Chornomorets" - "Livyi bereh" - 13:00

2:1

"In the previous game, the Odessa team secured their first victory in the championship, which should give them confidence in preparing for the upcoming match against "Livyi bereh" - an opponent they can beat. Both teams will face a tough challenge, but I bet on a minimal victory for the hosts.

"Polissya" - "Kudrovka" - 18:00

3:0

"The victorious game against "Shakhtar" confirmed the ambitions of "Polissya" in the current championship. Next up is "Kudrovka". I don't see how the guests can earn points in Zhytomyr. I give unquestionable preference to Ruslan Rotan's team, which will secure a confident victory."

05.09.26

"Kharkiv" - "Obolon" - 13:00

2:0

"In recent matches, "Kharkiv" has found their game, despite the defeat to "Shakhtar". "Obolon", one might say, is a stubborn team, but the Kyiv team will find it difficult to achieve a positive result, even a draw. The higher skill level of the Kharkiv players will be the decisive factor in this confrontation."

"Kryvbas" - "Kolos" - 13:00

2:1

"The start of the season seems to be difficult for Ruslan Kostyshyn's team, which has only earned one point in three matches. I think one point will remain with "Kolos" after this match. The game will be intense, but thanks to the home field advantage, I assume that "Kryvbas" will tilt the balance in their favor."

"Karpaty" - "Shakhtar" - 18:00

1:1

"I believe that the meeting of the championship leaders will bring joy to Ukrainian fans. I do not exclude that due to the start of the Champions League, Shakhtar's head coach Arda Turan will rotate the squad. In addition, the newcomers to the team are still adapting to the team's style of play, so the actions of the "miners" do not always look coordinated.

As for "Karpaty", their start surprised many. They have a well-played squad, hence the positive results. I expect a fierce battle. And with solid, by today's standards, support from the stands, I think Lviv residents will be able to surprise once again. At least, I bet that Fran Fernandes' team will not lose to the current champion."

06.09.26

"Dynamo" - LNZ - 13:00

2:0

"Despite the fact that Kyiv suffered their first defeat in the last round, they have no room for retreat. After such a defeat from "Bukovyna", fans of the capital club are waiting for rehabilitation. The coach is responsible for the result, so I do not exclude conclusions from the side of Dynamo's management if there is no maximum result. Although the players should understand that they also bear serious responsibility.

After the silver season, LNZ also does not yet please their fans. We'll see how it goes. I am sure that the Cherkasy team will make every effort to win or not lose, especially since they know how to do it in matches against "Dynamo". But it seems to me that the hosts, again, after a humiliating defeat in the last round, will win now, primarily due to better motivation."

"Veres" - "Zorya" - 15:30

1:2

"The Rivne team is in a good psychological state. Their victory over LNZ made an impact. At the same time, Zorya's victory over Polissya indicates the serious potential of the Luhansk team, but for now, they seem to be inconsistent. The level of players under Viktor Skrypnyk is higher, so I still give preference to the guests".

"Epitsentr" - "Bukovyna" - 18:00

1:0

"It will be interesting to see Bukovyna after their victory over Dynamo and the subsequent euphoria. Epitsentr is not an easy opponent, the team is in the upper part of the standings and, importantly, deservedly so. Serhiy Nahorniak's team has adapted to the UPL. Therefore, I think the hosts will achieve a minimal victory."