Servette vs Shakhtar Donetsk Prediction, Preview, News, Odds: 28/8/2025

Servette aim to turn the tide at home

Servette FC welcome Shakhtar Donetsk to Stade de Genève on August 28 for the decisive second leg of their UEFA Conference League playoff, with the tie finely balanced at 1-1. For head coach Bojan Dimic and his players, the match represents a last chance to salvage their European season after falling short in both the Champions League and Europa League qualifiers.

The Swiss club’s form has been inconsistent, with only one win in their last seven games, though a 5-0 Swiss Cup victory over Dardania Lausanne offered a glimmer of confidence. Dimic is expected to rely on experienced midfielder Miroslav Stevanović and the dynamic Lamine Fomba to stabilize the middle of the park, while striker Jérémy Guillemenot will be tasked with providing the cutting edge in attack.

Shakhtar hold the psychological edge

Shakhtar Donetsk, guided by Arda Turan, arrive in Geneva with a sense of confidence built on strong European and domestic performances. Earlier in the season, they knocked out Ilves and Beşiktaş in Europa League qualifiers before narrowly bowing out to Panathinaikos on penalties. On the home front, Shakhtar sit third in the Ukrainian Premier League and remain unbeaten in seven matches across all competitions.

The Ukrainians have leaned on the sharp form of forwards Kauã Elias and Alisson Santana, who have been central to their attacking play. However, injuries to key players, including Kevin and Lassina Traoré, could leave gaps in Turan’s squad depth at a crucial stage.

First leg lessons and tactical expectations

The first leg, played in Krakow, ended in a cautious 1-1 draw, with both teams showing glimpses of quality but failing to take control. Servette’s defensive issues were again on display, having already leaked eight goals in their opening three league games, a vulnerability Shakhtar will look to exploit. At the same time, the visitors have occasionally struggled to turn possession into goals, with three draws in their last five outings highlighting a lack of finishing composure.

With both sides eyeing a place in the lucrative group stages, the return leg promises a tense and tactical encounter. For Servette, the backing of a home crowd could prove decisive, while Shakhtar’s ability to capitalize on defensive lapses may determine whether they advance.

Prediction

Servette will hope their home advantage sparks a turnaround, but recent form paints a worrying picture: seven defeats in their last ten home matches and 19 goals conceded over that stretch. Shakhtar, despite missing some key names, have shown greater consistency and resilience. Their recent record of four away wins from nine fixtures suggests they can cope with the challenge.

Prediction: Servette 0:3 Shakhtar Donetsk