2026-2027 Champions League: Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Sporting Lisbon, Probable Lineups

Shakhtar Donetsk and Sporting CP face off at 6:45 p.m. at Stamford Bridge on Matchday 4 of the Champions League group stage. Shakhtar plays its European home games at Chelsea’s stadium because it is unable to play in Ukraine due to the war. For the Portuguese side, this will be a unique challenge: following Rui Borges’ dismissal, the team will be temporarily led by Tiago Fernandes, coach of the B team, while Paulo Fonseca is set to take over in the coming days. Sporting enters the match with six points, earned from victories over Galatasaray and Lens, before suffering a 3-2 home loss to LASK. Shakhtar, on the other hand, is looking to bounce back after a 1-0 defeat to Inter at San Siro.

Arda Turan is expected to stick with the 4-1-4-1 formation, with Ocheretko in front of the defense and an attacking lineup featuring Alisson Santana, Marlon Gomes, and Mendoza behind Kauã Elias. Among those unavailable are Pedrinho and Eguinaldo.

On the other side, Fernandes is expected to rely on a 4-2-3-1 formation: Altimira and Simões are expected in midfield, while Catamo and Doumbia should operate in the attacking midfield in support of Suárez. Debast and Nuno Santos will not be available.

Probable Lineups

SHAKHTAR DONETSK (4-1-4-1): Riznyk; Tobias, Bondar, Matviyenko, Pedro Henrique; Ocheretko; Alisson Santana, Marlon Gomes, Nazaryna, Mendoza; Kauã Elias. Head Coach: Turan.

SPORTING (4-2-3-1): Rui Silva; Fresneda, Quaresma, Inácio, Araújo; Simões, Altimira; Catamo, Doumbia, Flávio Gonçalves; Suárez. Head Coach: Tiago Fernandes.