Arsenal vs Shakhtar Donetsk: Key Players, Form, and Predictions for UCL Battle
Arsenal vs Shakhtar Donetsk in an exciting UEFA Champions League (UCL) match as they attempt to return to good form from their unusual league defeat. Shakhtar, meanwhile are consistent performers in their league but struggle to get a positive result with the big teams of Europe. It is a hugely important game for both sides looking to establish themselves in Europe.
Arsenal’s Recent Performance: A Quick Recovery
Arsenal will be looking to bounce back from a 2-0 defeat against Bournemouth last time out; that was the first competitive defeat since April against Bayern Munich. Nonetheless, the hosts have been formidable at home in that regard with an undefeated record over their last 9 UCL home matches (W8, D1).
Arteta will be desperate for his side to find their way again in Europe ahead of the weekend’s Premier League game against Liverpool. The Gunners have kept clean sheets in all their eight UCL wins at the Emirates but face a far trickier test against Shakhtar Donetsk.
Shakhtar Donetsk: Struggling in Europe but Thriving at Home
Shakhtar Donetsk are still playing catch-up in the Ukrainian Premier League, six points behind Dynamo Kyiv courtesy of a slow start, but have since picked up with five unbeaten league games. However, this same form hasn’t translated itself to the domestic stage of UEFA Champions League where they are yet to win a match all season.
European Form: Shakhtar have an atrocious record in Europe, especially on English soil where they are winless in seven previous visits (D1, L6) They will have to play pretty much the perfect game if they want to get their campaign back on track and make it out of the knockout stages — something they haven’t done in six years.
Players to Watch
Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli has been a breakout star for Arsenal, scoring all five of his goals in Europe. Elsewhere, Shakhtar have been relying on Oleksandr Zubkov for their big occasions – all three of his goals this season have come in just such moments.
Betting Opportunities and Odds
For betting enthusiasts, Arsenal are the heavy favorites in this matchup. Here are the key odds, as shown on the GSB platform:
- Arsenal Win: 1.08
- Shakhtar Donetsk Win: 22.00
Arsenal vs Shakhtar will take place at the Emirates, making a Gunners win all but certain. That said, Shakhtar are starting to pick up slightly more positive form in their domestic league and they are not completely incapable of bagging themselves an away goal here.
Arsenal vs Shakhtar Donetsk: Predicted Lineups
Arsenal Starting XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Havertz, Rice, Merino; Sterling, Jesus, Trossard
Shakhtar Donetsk Starting XI: Riznyk; Konoplya, Bondar, Matvienko, Henrique; Stepanenko; Zubkov, Bondarenko, Sudakov, Newerton; Sikan
Prediction: Arsenal vs Shakhtar Donetsk
Arsenal will have more of the ball and thus more opportunities going forward. For their part, Shakhtar could have a hard time breaking through on goal against Arsenal but with the occasional lapse at the back for them as well, they may also be up to potentially hitting these shaky waters. Arsenal to win 3-1.
