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On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 5:45 pm UK time, Bologna will host Shakhtar Donetsk at Stadio Dall’Ara for their opening fixture of the Champions League group stage. This marks Bologna’s return to European football after decades, while Shakhtar Donetsk will seek to build on their Champions League experience.

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The Significance of the Match

Bologna, having last played in UEFA’s top competition in the 1960s, are looking to make a statement on their return to European football. For Shakhtar Donetsk, this is an opportunity to assert themselves after several group-stage eliminations in recent years. Bologna’s home form will be critical as they face a seasoned Shakhtar side who have a history of competing at this level.

Venue and Time

• Location: Stadio Dall’Ara, Bologna
• Date: Wednesday, September 18, 2024
• Kickoff Time: 5:45 pm (UK time)

Team Analysis

Bologna’s Current Form

Bologna are still searching for their first win of the season under new manager Vincenzo Italiano. The Serie A side’s performances have been inconsistent, with draws and a heavy 3-0 defeat to Napoli in their early league fixtures. Despite these setbacks, Bologna have shown resilience, coming from behind to salvage a 2-2 draw against Como last weekend.

Bologna’s return to European competition is significant, and they will be aiming to use their home advantage at Stadio Dall’Ara, where they have been unbeaten in European competition, with 15 wins from 23 matches.

Key Player: Riccardo Orsolini
Orsolini, Bologna’s captain and reliable scorer, will be central to their attack. His ability to lead from the front will be key to unlocking Shakhtar’s defence.

Team News
Bologna’s injury list has improved with Emil Holm and Martin Erlic returning from injury, though they will still be without Oussama El Azzouzi and Nicolo Cambiaghi, who are long-term absentees. Lewis Ferguson is also nearing full fitness after recovering from an ACL injury.

Probable Starting Lineup:
Skorupski; Posch, Beukema, Lucumi, Miranda; Freuler; Orsolini, Aebischer, Moro, Ndoye; Castro.

Shakhtar Donetsk’s Current Form

Shakhtar Donetsk come into this match having claimed a 5-2 victory over Karpaty Lviv, with Artem Bondarenko scoring a hat-trick. However, their start to the Ukrainian Premier League has been inconsistent, with two losses already in the campaign. Despite this, Shakhtar remain a force to be reckoned with, boasting a rich history of Champions League football.

Shakhtar have struggled in away fixtures in the Champions League, winning just two of their last 11 matches. However, their attacking options, particularly through Danylo Sikan and Georgiy Sudakov, give them hope of finding success in Bologna.

Key Player: Artem Bondarenko
Bondarenko’s recent form, including a hat-trick at the weekend, makes him Shakhtar’s standout player. His ability to score crucial goals will be vital in this away fixture.

Team News
Shakhtar will rely on their attacking options with Georgiy Sudakov pulling the strings in midfield. Marlon Gomes has returned from injury, providing more depth to their squad.

Probable Starting Lineup:
Riznyk; Konoplya, Franjic, Bondar, Pedrinho; Bondarenko, Kyrskiv, Sudakov; Zubkov, Sikan, Kevin.

Betting Tips and Predictions

Match Prediction

Given Bologna’s home advantage and Shakhtar’s experience, this match could be tightly contested. Shakhtar’s struggles away from home could give Bologna the edge, but both teams are capable of finding the net.

Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Bologna 1-1 Shakhtar Donetsk.

Additional Betting Markets

1. Both Teams to Score: Yes
   Bologna’s home form and Shakhtar’s attacking firepower suggest both teams will score.
2. Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Under 2.5 Goals
   With both teams likely to take a cautious approach, this could be a low-scoring affair.
3. First Team to Score: Shakhtar Donetsk
   Shakhtar’s experience in Europe could see them score the opening goal, especially through Bondarenko.
4. Riccardo Orsolini to Score Anytime:
   As Bologna’s captain and key player, Orsolini is likely to be involved in any scoring opportunities for his team.