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.
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
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