Arda Turan makes significant changes to "Shakhtar's" starting lineup for today's third-round Ukrainian Premier League clash against "Veres" at Avangard Stadium in Rivne. The Turkish manager is responding to the team's recent defeat against Greek side Panathinaikos.
"We need to show character after our European disappointment," Turan might be thinking as he prepares his squad for this domestic challenge.
The most notable adjustment is Konoplya returning to the right side of defense, while Sudakov moves back to central midfield. Brazilian Pedrinho da Silva will operate as a false nine in the attacking setup, partnered with Alisson and Neverton.
On the opposite side, Oleh Shandruk is also making tactical adjustments following "Veres'" 0:1 defeat to SC Poltava. The home team coach has selected Kozhuhar between the posts, while Tsipot slots into the back three. Klyots will anchor the midfield, with Wolli joining the attacking duo.
The full starting lineup for "Veres" includes: Kozhuhar — Stamulis, Honcharenko, Tsipot, Vovchenko, Smiyan — Klyots, Kharatin, Boyko — Ndukwe, Wolli.
Meanwhile, "Shakhtar" will field: Riznyk — Konoplya, Bondar, Matviyenko, Pedrinho Azevedo — Bondarenko, Ocheretko, Sudakov — Alisson, Pedrinho da Silva, Neverton.
Interestingly, both managers have prepared strong benches with multiple options to change the game's dynamics if needed. Shakhtar, especially, has talented reserves like Marlon Santos, Vinicius, and Elias ready to make an impact.
The match kicks off at 15:30 Kyiv time. Will Turan's tactical reshuffling help "Shakhtar" bounce back from their European disappointment, or will home advantage give "Veres" the edge?
