Shakhtar Donetsk vs Servette Prediction & Betting Tips (21 August)

Shakhtar Donetsk enter their Conference League clash against Servette with a blend of youthful flair and seasoned resilience. Under the guidance of head coach Arda Turan, the Ukrainian side has shown flashes of attacking brilliance, notably in their 6-0 demolition of Ilves and a 6-2 aggregate win over Besiktas earlier in qualifying. However, their recent 3-3 draw against Karpaty Lviv exposed defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in the dying minutes. Injuries have also disrupted their rhythm, with key players like Kevin Santos and Lassina Traoré sidelined. Yet, the emergence of Kaua Elias and Alisson Santana—each with four goals this season—has injected fresh energy into the final third, making Shakhtar a dangerous proposition at home.

Servette, meanwhile, arrive in Eastern Europe with a new face at the helm: Jocelyn Gourvennec, the former Lille and Bordeaux manager. His appointment marks a shift in tactical identity for the Swiss outfit, who are still adjusting to his methods. Despite a 3-1 first-leg defeat to Utrecht in the Europa League qualifiers, Gourvennec remains optimistic, emphasizing discipline and minimal errors. The squad has been hampered by injuries, but the likes of Miroslav Stevanović and Enzo Crivelli continue to be reliable contributors. Servette’s domestic form has been steady, sitting mid-table in the Swiss Super League, and their recent 1-0 win over Viktoria Plzeň in the Champions League qualifiers suggests they can grind out results under pressure.



The tactical battle promises intrigue. Shakhtar’s Brazilian-influenced attacking style, with fluid movement and quick transitions, will test Servette’s defensive organization. Gourvennec’s side, on the other hand, may opt for a compact setup, relying on counterattacks and set pieces to exploit Shakhtar’s occasional lapses. The midfield duel—featuring Sudakov and Bondarenko for Shakhtar against Cognat and Ondoua for Servette—could be decisive in dictating tempo. With both teams nursing injuries and integrating new faces, expect moments of chaos and brilliance in equal measure.

Prediction-wise, the edge tilts slightly toward Shakhtar, who boast a more settled squad and attacking firepower. Servette’s resilience and tactical discipline may keep them in the game, but the hosts’ ability to unlock defenses should prove decisive. A 2-1 scoreline in favor of Shakhtar feels fitting—tight, competitive, and reflective of two sides still finding their rhythm in Europe’s third-tier tournament.

• Summary: Shakhtar Donetsk is going head to head with Servette FC starting on 21 Aug 2025 at 18:00 UTC at Stadion Miejski im. Henryka Reymana stadium, Krakow city, Poland. The match is a part of the UEFA Europa Conference League, Qualification Playoff .
• Referee: Nick Walsh
• Shakhtar Donetsk Feedinco Rating: 6.55
• Servette Feedinco Rating: 6.75