Prediction: Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Barcelona – Champions League Preview and Analysis – Nov 7, 2023

In what promises to be a pivotal clash in the Champions League, Shakhtar Donetsk and Barcelona are set to face off on November 7, 2023, at 5.45 pm UK time. The significance of this match cannot be overstated, as Barcelona has the opportunity to book their place in the knockout stage of the competition with two games to spare if they can avoid defeat. Meanwhile, Shakhtar Donetsk, currently sitting in third place in Group H, needs a positive result to keep their hopes alive.

Shakhtar Donetsk’s Journey:

Shakhtar Donetsk began their Group H campaign with a 3-1 loss to Porto but bounced back impressively by defeating Royal Antwerp 3-2 in their second match in early October. Their performance against Barcelona on October 25 ended in a 2-1 defeat, leaving them with three points from three games and in third place, three points behind second-placed Porto.

Shakhtar cannot be eliminated from the competition on Tuesday, but a defeat would put them in a precarious position for their remaining two games. The Ukrainian outfit, led by Marino Pusic, is coming into this match on the back of a 1-0 win over Dynamo Kyiv in the domestic league.

Historically, Shakhtar has had a mixed record against Spanish opposition at home, with three wins, five draws, and seven losses. However, it’s worth noting that this match will be played in Hamburg, making it challenging to consider it a true home game. Shakhtar’s recent Champions League campaigns have seen them struggle to progress from their group, but they will be eyeing a third-place finish ahead of Antwerp if they can’t secure a top-two spot.

Barcelona’s Resurgence:

Barcelona has endured some challenging Champions League group-stage campaigns recently, finishing third in their last two attempts. However, under the guidance of head coach Xavi, they are determined to change their fortunes. The Catalan giants currently lead Group H with nine points, following a 5-0 victory over Antwerp in their opening match and consecutive wins against Porto and Shakhtar.

Despite a 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in El Clasico, Barcelona rebounded with a 1-0 win over Real Sociedad in La Liga. Their away record against Ukrainian teams in European football has been respectable, with seven wins, one draw, and three losses in their last 11 matches. However, they have struggled in overall away matches in the Champions League, with only 14 wins in their last 32 away games.

Team News:

Shakhtar will be without several key players for this contest, including Stav Lemkin, Lassina Traore, and Ivan Petryak. Irakli Azarovi is also expected to miss out due to an injury sustained in their recent league match. Yaroslav Rakitskyi is likely to step in as his replacement in the starting lineup. Danylo Sikan and Oleksandr Zubkov will be crucial in the attack.

Barcelona’s main absentee is Sergi Roberto, who is battling a calf problem. Frenkie de Jong is also a doubt due to an ankle issue. Robert Lewandowski, working his way back from an ankle injury, is expected to start. Andreas Christensen and Raphinha could potentially make it into the starting lineup, while Lamine Yamal and Oriol Romeu are options from the bench.

Predicted Lineups:

Shakhtar Donetsk: Riznyk; Konoplya, Bondar, Matvienko, Rakitskyi; Stepanenko, Bondarenko; Kryskiv, Sudakov, Zubkov; Sikan

Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Araujo, Kounde, Christensen; Cancelo, Gavi, Gundogan, Balde; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Felix

Analysis:

Shakhtar Donetsk proved to be a tough opponent in their 2-1 defeat to Barcelona on matchday three of the Champions League group stages. However, that loss left them three points behind second-placed Porto. Under Marino Pušić’s guidance, Shakhtar has secured back-to-back domestic wins, building momentum for potential revenge at the neutral venue of the Volksparkstadion.

In head-to-head meetings, Shakhtar has struggled against Barcelona, losing five of their seven encounters in the Champions League. Their recent Champions League form hasn’t been favorable, with just one win in their last eight matches, including three draws and four losses.

Barcelona, on the other hand, has been dominant in this season’s Champions League campaign, winning all three of their matches so far. If they continue this trend, it will mark only the third time the club has won their first four UCL group games. Confidence is high following a last-gasp 1-0 win against Real Sociedad. Although they have faced difficulties in their previous Champions League away matches, Barcelona can’t afford to underestimate Shakhtar.

Players to Watch:

Oleksandr Zubkov has been instrumental for Shakhtar recently, contributing with two goals and two assists in three of his last four games. Ferran Torres was pivotal for Barcelona in their previous meeting against Shakhtar, scoring and assisting, extending his winning streak in the UCL group stage to nine matches.

Hot Stat:

Shakhtar Donetsk has conceded the first goal in seven of their last eight UCL matches, including their last five.

Prediction: Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Shakhtar Donetsk 1-2 Barcelona

In this highly anticipated clash, we anticipate Barcelona securing a narrow victory over Shakhtar Donetsk. Barcelona’s strong form in the Champions League this season and their position at the top of Group H make them the favorites. However, Shakhtar Donetsk is expected to put up a strong fight, and we predict they will manage to score a goal. Expect a closely contested match with Barcelona ultimately emerging as the winners.

AD:

Other Betting Predictions:

Both Teams to Score: Yes
Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 2.5
Hot Stat: Shakhtar conceding the first goal in recent matches indicates a potential early goal in the game. Consider betting on the First Goal to be scored within the first 30 minutes.

(Odds are taken from bet365 and are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.T&Cs apply, 18+)

74 average Markets available for Shakhtar Donetsk v Barcelona

Full Time Result

Home Win	Draw	Away Win
7	5.25	1.364

Half Time/Full Time

Shakhtar Donetsk – Shakhtar Donetsk	Shakhtar Donetsk – Draw	Shakhtar Donetsk – Barcelona	Draw – Shakhtar Donetsk	Draw – Draw	Draw – Barcelona	Barcelona – Shakhtar Donetsk	Barcelona – Draw
13	19	17	15	8	4	41	17

Half Time/Full Time (cont.)

Barcelona – Barcelona
2

Correct Score

Shakhtar Donetsk #2-0	Shakhtar Donetsk #3-0	Shakhtar Donetsk #4-1	Shakhtar Donetsk #5-2	Shakhtar Donetsk #1-0	Shakhtar Donetsk #3-2	Shakhtar Donetsk #4-3	Shakhtar Donetsk #4-2
41	81	126	451	21	41	126	101

Correct Score (cont.)

Shakhtar Donetsk #3-1	Shakhtar Donetsk #4-0	Shakhtar Donetsk #2-1	Draw #0-0	Draw #4-4	Draw #3-3	Draw #1-1	Draw #2-2
51	251	21	19	201	51	10	19

Correct Score (cont.)

Barcelona #7-2	Barcelona #5-3	Barcelona #6-3	Barcelona #4-2	Barcelona #5-1	Barcelona #6-1	Barcelona #7-1	Barcelona #3-2
201	101	251	34	34	51	101	21

Correct Score (cont.)

Barcelona #3-1	Barcelona #4-3	Barcelona #6-0	Barcelona #7-0	Barcelona #8-1	Barcelona #1-0	Barcelona #5-0	Barcelona #8-0
11	67	51	101	301	9	29	251

Correct Score (cont.)

Barcelona #2-0	Barcelona #2-1	Barcelona #5-4	Barcelona #3-0	Barcelona #4-0	Barcelona #4-1	Barcelona #6-2	Barcelona #5-2
7.5	8.5	401	9.5	15	17	101	51

Winning Margin

Shakhtar Donetsk by 1	Barcelona by 1	Shakhtar Donetsk by 2	Barcelona by 2	Shakhtar Donetsk by 3	Barcelona by 3	Shakhtar Donetsk by 4+	Barcelona by 4+
9	4	21	4.333	67	6	201	6.5

Winning Margin (cont.)

Score Draw	No Goal
6.5	19

Handicap Result

Shakhtar Donetsk (+1) 1.00	Tie – (Barcelona -1) -1.00	Barcelona (-1) -1.00
3	4	1.952

Total Goals

Under 2.50	Over 2.50
2.5	1.5

First Team to Score

Shakhtar Donetsk	No Goals	Barcelona
3.75	19	1.25

Half-Time

Shakhtar Donetsk	Draw	Barcelona
6.5	2.625	1.833

Total Goal Minutes

Over 165 minutes	145 To 165 minutes inc.	Under 145 minutes
2.1	9	1.909

Total Goals Odd/Even

Even	Odd
1.9	1.95

Double Chance

Shakhtar Donetsk or Draw	Draw or Barcelona	Shakhtar Donetsk or Barcelona
3	1.1	1.167

Team Total Goals

Shakhtar Donetsk Over 0.50	Shakhtar Donetsk Under 0.50	Shakhtar Donetsk Over 1.50	Shakhtar Donetsk Under 1.50	Shakhtar Donetsk Over 2.50	Shakhtar Donetsk Under 2.50	Shakhtar Donetsk Over 3.50	Shakhtar Donetsk Under 3.50
1.615	2.2	4	1.222	13	1.04	41	1.004

Team Total Goals (cont.)

Barcelona Over 0.50	Barcelona Under 0.50	Barcelona Over 1.50	Barcelona Under 1.50	Barcelona Over 2.50	Barcelona Under 2.50	Barcelona Over 3.50	Barcelona Under 3.50
1.071	9	1.4	2.75	2.2	1.615	4	1.222

Team Total Goals (cont.)

Barcelona Over 4.50	Barcelona Under 4.50	Barcelona Over 5.50	Barcelona Under 5.50	Barcelona Over 6.50	Barcelona Under 6.50
9	1.071	21	1.015	41	1.004

Both Teams to Score

Yes	No
1.8	1.95

Alternative Total Goals

Over 0.50	Under 0.50	Over 1.50	Under 1.50	Over 3.50	Under 3.50	Over 4.50	Under 4.50
1.025	17	1.167	5	2.3	1.615	4	1.25

Alternative Total Goals (cont.)

Over 5.50	Under 5.50	Over 6.50	Under 6.50	Over 7.50	Under 7.50	Over 8.50	Under 8.50
7	1.1	15	1.03	26	1.01	51	1.002

Exact Total Goals

0 Goals	1 Goal	2 Goals	3 Goals	4 Goals	5 Goals	6 Goals	7+ Goals
19	6.5	4.333	4	5	7.5	13	15

Alternative Handicap Result

Shakhtar Donetsk -2.00	Tie – Barcelona 2.00	Barcelona 2.00	Shakhtar Donetsk -1.00	Tie – Barcelona 1.00	Barcelona 1.00	Shakhtar Donetsk 2.00	Tie – Barcelona -2.00
41	21	1.025	17	9	1.1	1.8	4.333

Alternative Handicap Result (cont.)

Barcelona -2.00	Shakhtar Donetsk 3.00	Tie – Barcelona -3.00	Barcelona -3.00
3.4	1.3	6	6.5

Exact 1st Half Goals

0 Goals	1 Goal	2 Goals	3 Goals	4 Goals	5+ Goals
3.75	2.625	3.6	7.5	19	34

1st Half Goals Odd/Even

Odd	Even
2	1.8

Alternative 1st Half Handicap Result

Shakhtar Donetsk -1.00	Tie – Barcelona 1.00	Barcelona 1.00	Shakhtar Donetsk 2.00	Tie – Barcelona -2.00	Barcelona -2.00	Shakhtar Donetsk 3.00	Tie – Barcelona -3.00
21	7	1.1	1.2	5.5	11	1.04	15

Alternative 1st Half Handicap Result (cont.)

Barcelona -3.00
34

2nd Half Result

Shakhtar Donetsk	Draw	Barcelona
6	3	1.615

2nd Half Goals

Over 0.50	Under 0.50	Over 1.50	Under 1.50	Over 2.50	Under 2.50	Over 3.50	Under 3.50
1.143	5.5	1.727	2	3.4	1.3	8	1.083

2nd Half Goals (cont.)

Over 4.50	Under 4.50
19	1.02

Clean Sheet

Shakhtar Donetsk – Yes	Shakhtar Donetsk – No	Barcelona – Yes	Barcelona – No
9	1.071	2.2	1.615

Teams to Score

Both Teams	Shakhtar Donetsk Only	No Goal	Barcelona Only
1.8	13	19	2.5

Result / Total Goals

Shakhtar Donetsk & Over 3.50	Shakhtar Donetsk & Under 3.50	Draw & Over 3.50	Draw & Under 3.50	Barcelona & Over 3.50	Barcelona & Under 3.50
21	8.5	15	7	2.875	2.4

Time of 1st Team Goal

Shakhtar Donetsk – Goal before 78:00	Shakhtar Donetsk – No Goal before 78:00
1.833	1.833

Time of 1st Team Goal

Barcelona – Goal before 32:00	Barcelona – No Goal before 32:00
1.833	1.833

1st Goal Method

Shot	Header	Penalty	Free Kick	Own Goal	No Goal
1.444	6	7	21	26	19

To Win From Behind

Shakhtar Donetsk to win from behind	Barcelona to win from behind
21	6.5

To Win to Nil

Shakhtar Donetsk to win to nil	Barcelona to win to nil
13	2.5

To Win Either Half

Shakhtar Donetsk to win either half	Barcelona to win either half
3.5	1.2

To Win Both Halves

Shakhtar Donetsk to win both halves	Barcelona to win both halves
29	3.25

To Score in Both Halves

Shakhtar Donetsk to score in both halves	Barcelona to score in both halves
7	1.909

To Score a Penalty

Shakhtar Donetsk to score a penalty	Barcelona to score a penalty
9	3.75

To Miss a Penalty

Shakhtar Donetsk to miss a penalty	Barcelona to miss a penalty
26	13

10 Minute Result

Shakhtar Donetsk	Draw	Barcelona
12	1.2	5

Goals in First 10 Minutes

Over 0.50	Under 0.50
3.75	1.25

Exact 2nd Half Goals

0 Goals	1 Goal	2 Goals	3 Goals	4 Goals	5+ Goals
5.5	3.1	3.4	5.5	11	19

Half Time Double Chance

Shakhtar Donetsk or Draw	Draw or Barcelona	Shakhtar Donetsk or Barcelona
1.833	1.1	1.444

Early Goal

Goal before 24:00	No Goal before 24:00
1.833	1.833

Late Goal

Goal after 78:59	No Goal after 78:59
1.833	1.833

Last Team to Score

Shakhtar Donetsk	No Goal	Barcelona
3.75	19	1.25

Number of Goals in Match

Under 2 goals	2 or 3 goals	Over 3 goals
5	2.1	2.3

Half with Most Goals

1st Half	2nd Half	Tie
3	1.952	4

First Half Goals

Over 0.50	Under 0.50	Over 1.50	Under 1.50	Over 2.50	Under 2.50	Over 3.50	Under 3.50
1.25	3.75	2.2	1.615	5	1.167	13	1.04

Half Time Correct Score

Shakhtar Donetsk #2-0	Shakhtar Donetsk #3-2	Shakhtar Donetsk #3-0	Shakhtar Donetsk #2-1	Shakhtar Donetsk #3-1	Shakhtar Donetsk #1-0	Draw #1-1	Draw #3-3
34	201	126	34	126	8.5	8.5	501

Half Time Correct Score (cont.)

Draw #0-0	Draw #2-2	Barcelona #4-2	Barcelona #3-0	Barcelona #1-0	Barcelona #2-0	Barcelona #3-2	Barcelona #2-1
3.75	51	251	17	3.5	6.5	101	15

Half Time Correct Score (cont.)

Barcelona #6-0	Barcelona #3-1	Barcelona #4-1	Barcelona #5-0	Barcelona #4-0	Barcelona #5-1
501	34	81	126	41	251

Time of First Goal Brackets

1-10	11-20	21-30	31-40	41-50	51-60	61-70	71-80
3.75	4.5	5.5	7	8.5	13	19	23

Time of First Goal Brackets (cont.)

81 – Full Time	No Goal
23	19

Draw No Bet

Shakhtar Donetsk	Barcelona
5.5	1.143

1st Half – Handicap

Shakhtar Donetsk 1.00	Tie – Barcelona -1.00	Barcelona -1.00
1.833	2.875	4

Result/Both Teams to Score

Shakhtar Donetsk & Yes	Shakhtar Donetsk & No	Barcelona & Yes	Barcelona & No	Draw & Yes	Draw & No
11	13	2.75	2.5	6.5	19

Total Goals/Both Teams to Score

Over 2.5 & Yes	Over 2.5 & No	Under 2.5 & Yes	Under 2.5 & No
2.05	4.75	11	3

Home Team Odd/Even Goals

Shakhtar Donetsk – Even	Shakhtar Donetsk – Odd
1.615	2.2

Away Team Odd/Even Goals

Barcelona – Even	Barcelona – Odd
1.833	1.833

Home Team Exact Goals

Shakhtar Donetsk – 0 Goals	Shakhtar Donetsk – 1 Goal	Shakhtar Donetsk – 2 Goals	Shakhtar Donetsk – 3+ Goals
2.2	2.5	5.5	13

Away Team Exact Goals

Barcelona – 0 Goals	Barcelona – 1 Goal	Barcelona – 2 Goals	Barcelona – 3+ Goals
9	4	3.4	2.2

Home Team Highest Scoring Half

Shakhtar Donetsk – 1st Half	Shakhtar Donetsk – 2nd Half	Shakhtar Donetsk – Tie
4	3	1.833

Away Team Highest Scoring Half

Barcelona – 1st Half	Barcelona – 2nd Half	Barcelona – Tie
3	2.1	3.2

Home Team to Score in 1st Half

Shakhtar Donetsk – Yes	Shakhtar Donetsk – No
2.75	1.4

Away Team to Score in 1st Half

Barcelona – Yes	Barcelona – No
1.444	2.625

Both Teams to Score in 1st Half

Yes	No
4.333	1.2

Half Time Result/Both Teams to Score

Shakhtar Donetsk & Yes	Shakhtar Donetsk & No	Draw & Yes	Draw & No	Barcelona & Yes	Barcelona & No
29	7.5	7.5	3.75	10	2.1

Half Time Result/Total Goals

Shakhtar Donetsk & Over 1.5	Shakhtar Donetsk & Under 1.5	Draw & Over 1.5	Draw & Under 1.5	Barcelona & Over 1.5	Barcelona & Under 1.5
19	8.5	8	3.75	3.4	3.5

Home Team to Score in 2nd Half

Shakhtar Donetsk – Yes	Shakhtar Donetsk – No
2.375	1.533

Away Team to Score in 2nd Half

Barcelona – Yes	Barcelona – No
1.3	3.4

Both Teams to Score in 2nd Half

Yes	No
3.25	1.333

2nd Half Goals Odd/Even

Odd	Even
1.833	1.833

Both Teams to Score 1st Half – 2nd Half

Yes / Yes	Yes / No	No / Yes	No / No
13	5.5	3.75	1.667

Asian Handicap

Shakhtar Donetsk 1.50	Barcelona -1.50
1.85	2.05

Goal Line

Over 3.00	Under 3.00
1.86	2.04

1st Half Goal Line

Over 1.25	Under 1.25
1.925	1.925

1st Half Asian Handicap

Shakhtar Donetsk 0.50	Barcelona -0.50
2	1.85

Alternative Asian Handicap

Shakhtar Donetsk -0.50	Barcelona 0.50	Shakhtar Donetsk -0.25	Barcelona 0.25	Shakhtar Donetsk 0.00	Barcelona 0.00	Shakhtar Donetsk 0.25	Barcelona -0.25
6.6	1.11	6	1.125	5.75	1.14	3.8	1.25

Alternative Asian Handicap (cont.)

Shakhtar Donetsk 0.50	Barcelona -0.50	Shakhtar Donetsk 0.75	Barcelona -0.75	Shakhtar Donetsk 1.00	Barcelona -1.00	Shakhtar Donetsk 1.25	Barcelona -1.25
3.1	1.35	2.75	1.425	2.375	1.55	2.025	1.775

Alternative Asian Handicap (cont.)

Shakhtar Donetsk 1.75	Barcelona -1.75	Shakhtar Donetsk 2.00	Barcelona -2.00	Shakhtar Donetsk 2.25	Barcelona -2.25	Shakhtar Donetsk 2.50	Barcelona -2.50
1.625	2.25	1.45	2.675	1.375	3	1.3	3.45

Alternative Asian Handicap (cont.)

Shakhtar Donetsk 2.75	Barcelona -2.75	Shakhtar Donetsk 3.00	Barcelona -3.00	Shakhtar Donetsk 3.25	Barcelona -3.25	Shakhtar Donetsk 3.50	Barcelona -3.50
1.22	4.15	1.14	5.75	1.12	6.25	1.11	6.6

Alternative Goal Line

Over 1.50	Under 1.50	Over 1.75	Under 1.75	Over 2.00	Under 2.00	Over 2.25	Under 2.25
1.16	5.25	1.18	4.65	1.22	4.15	1.375	3

Alternative Goal Line (cont.)

Over 2.50	Under 2.50	Over 2.75	Under 2.75	Over 3.25	Under 3.25	Over 3.50	Under 3.50
1.525	2.425	1.625	2.25	2.05	1.75	2.3	1.6

Alternative Goal Line (cont.)

Over 3.75	Under 3.75	Over 4.00	Under 4.00	Over 4.25	Under 4.25	Over 4.50	Under 4.50
2.675	1.45	3.3	1.325	3.55	1.275	3.9	1.24

Alternative Goal Line (cont.)

Over 4.75	Under 4.75	Over 5.00	Under 5.00
4.8	1.175	6.8	1.105

Alternative 1st Half Asian Handicap

Shakhtar Donetsk -0.50	Barcelona 0.50	Shakhtar Donetsk -0.25	Barcelona 0.25	Shakhtar Donetsk 0.00	Barcelona 0.00	Shakhtar Donetsk 0.25	Barcelona -0.25
6.25	1.12	5.25	1.16	4.15	1.22	2.425	1.525

Alternative 1st Half Asian Handicap (cont.)

Shakhtar Donetsk 0.75	Barcelona -0.75	Shakhtar Donetsk 1.00	Barcelona -1.00	Shakhtar Donetsk 1.25	Barcelona -1.25	Shakhtar Donetsk 1.50	Barcelona -1.50
1.65	2.2	1.375	3	1.275	3.55	1.22	4.15

Alternative 1st Half Asian Handicap (cont.)

Shakhtar Donetsk 1.75	Barcelona -1.75
1.14	5.75

Alternative 1st Half Goal Line

Over 0.75	Under 0.75	Over 1.00	Under 1.00	Over 1.50	Under 1.50	Over 1.75	Under 1.75
1.35	3.1	1.5	2.5	2.25	1.625	2.75	1.425

Alternative 1st Half Goal Line (cont.)

Over 2.00	Under 2.00	Over 2.25	Under 2.25	Over 2.50	Under 2.50	Over 2.75	Under 2.75
3.9	1.24	4.4	1.2	5.25	1.16	6.8	1.105

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November 6, 2023