Shakhtar Donetsk vs Servette: UEFA Conference League Prediction (21.08.2025)

On Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 18:00 UTC, at the Henryk Reyman Municipal Stadium in Kraków, Shakhtar Donetsk will host Servette from Geneva in the first leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League 2025/26 Fourth Qualifying Round. The Donetsk side began in the Europa League qualifiers, successfully defeating Ilves of Finland and Beşiktaş of Turkey, but stumbled against Panathinaikos of Greece. After two goalless draws, they were eliminated in a penalty shootout. The Swiss side, meanwhile, were knocked out of the Champions League by Viktoria Plzeň of the Czech Republic and then from the Europa League by Utrecht of the Netherlands.

In the Shakhtar Donetsk – Servette matchup, bookmakers’ forecasts are clearly in favor of the Ukrainian club. Betting on the “Orange-and-Blacks” to win the first match is offered at odds of 1.37, while their qualification to the Conference League group stage is priced at 1.15. For the “Grenats,” the odds for the same markets are 6.87 and 4.53, respectively. A fairly high-scoring match is expected: Over 2.5 goals is offered at 1.50, while both teams to score is priced at 1.70.

Shakhtar Donetsk

Arda Turan’s team clearly intended to fight for a spot in the Europa League group stage. However, the two-legged clash with Panathinaikos showed that the technically skilled Brazilian attack of the “Miners” is not yet cohesive enough to easily break down well-organized defenses. The absence of left winger Kevin, considered their most dangerous attacking player, also had an impact. The Turkish coach may have to continue building the game without him, as the club is actively negotiating with English side Fulham regarding the sale of this promising forward.

Servette

After being eliminated from the UEFA Champions League qualifiers and losing their first two matches in the Swiss Super League, head coach Thomas Haberli decided to retire. The club’s management hurriedly sought a replacement and appointed French specialist Jocelyn Gourvennec, who previously worked with Bordeaux, Guingamp, Lille, and Nantes. Will this help? So far, the “Grenats” have lost five of their seven matches this season, conceding 16 goals in the process.

Head-to-Head Statistics

The clubs have never previously met in European competition.

Prediction

Servette may have a new coach, but it is hard to believe they will be able to compete on equal terms with the “Orange-and-Blacks.” Shakhtar will be highly motivated to claim victory and redeem themselves in front of the fans after their Europa League setback. The recommended bet is Shakhtar -1.5 handicap at odds of 2.02.