Harambee Stars midfielder Timothy Ouma is expected to feature for Lech Poznan as the Polish side aim to overturn a first-leg deficit against Shakhtar Donetsk in their Conference League round-of-16 tie on Thursday.
Ouma came off the bench in the first leg and is likely to start due to a number of injury concerns in the squad.
Shakhtar Donetsk host Lech Poznan in Krakow with a 3-1 advantage from last week’s first leg, where Marlon Gomes and Newerton gave the Ukrainians a two-goal lead before Isaque restored the margin late.
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Shakhtar enter the tie confident, having won seven consecutive matches across all competitions and showcasing their attacking depth led by Kaua Elias. Manager Arda Turan will rely on their clinical finishing and midfield dominance to secure progression to the quarter-finals.
Lech Poznan face a tough challenge to overturn the two-goal deficit. Manager Niels Frederiksen’s side bounced back from three consecutive defeats with a 1-0 win over Zaglebie Lubin at the weekend.
Key players including Mikael Ishak, Patrik Walemark, and Luis Palma will be crucial in Lech’s attack, with Ouma expected to marshal the midfield and provide creativity.
What time does Shakhtar Donetsk vs Lech Poznan start?
Kick-off is at 11:00 PM (EAT) on Thursday, March 19, 2026, in Krakow.
Shakhtar Donetsk vs Lech Poznan team news
Shakhtar Donetsk are without Valeriy Bondar (suspension) and face doubts over Dmytro Kryskiv, Marlon Gomes, and Mykola Matviyenko due to injury. Kaua Elias and Lassina Traore will compete to lead the line, with Elias currently top scorer for the club.
Lech Poznan have no suspensions but are missing Kornel Lisman, Alex Douglas, Radoslaw Murawski, and Daniel Hakans due to injuries.
Mikael Ishak remains their key attacking threat and may be joined by Patrik Walemark in a two-striker formation, with Luis Palma supporting from midfield. Timothy Ouma is expected to start following his late substitute appearance in the first leg.
Predicted Lineups
- Shakhtar Donetsk possible starting XI: Riznyk; Tobias, Marlon, Azarovi, Henrique; Ocheretko, Pedrinho, Nazaryna; Isaque, Elias, Newerton
- Lech Poznan possible starting XI: Mrozek; Pereira, Monka, Milic, Moutinho; Rodriguez, Kozubal; Ouma, Palma; Walemark, Ishak
Shakhtar Donetsk vs Lech Poznan head-to-head record
Shakhtar dominated the first leg with a 3-1 win in Poland. The Ukrainian side have maintained strong form domestically and in Europe, while Lech Poznan must overcome a two-goal deficit.
Ouma and his teammates will need to attack relentlessly and stay organized defensively to have any chance of a comeback. Shakhtar’s attacking efficiency and defensive stability give them the edge going into the second leg.
Shakhtar Donetsk vs Lech Poznan prediction
Lech Poznan will need an aggressive approach to overturn the deficit, but Shakhtar’s first-leg performance, attacking depth, and defensive solidity make them favorites to progress. Expect the Ukrainian side to control the match and advance comfortably on aggregate.
