ARSENAL have made an impressive start to their UEFA Champions League campaign and are heavy favourites to rack up another three points when Shakhtar Donetsk come calling.
The Gunners needed a penalty save from David Raya to get them a point away to Atalanta on matchday one but we're back at their best when they swatted aside PSG at the Emirates.
Our man Gavin though the French giants would get a point in London but the Gunners showed they are contenders to go all the way by claiming a 2-0 victory.
Mikel Arteta's men suffered their first defeat of the season on Saturday as Bournemouth beat them 2-0 and they will now be looking to bounce back with a win over Shakhtar Donetsk.
The Ukrainian side are no longer the force they once were in Europe, understandably given the turmoil in their war-torn nation, but they made a decent start with a point on the road at Bologna.
That raised hopes ahead of their next match but Atalanta were a cut above and eased to a 3-0 win in neutral Germany, with two bets landing for our man Gabriel.
How the bookies view it: Arsenal red-hot favourites
With the Gunners so impressive at home in the last few seasons it's no surprise to see them as Betano's 1/14 favourites. Shakhtar Donetsk are 22/1 outsiders and even the draw is huge at 19/2.
Head to head: Home bankers
This sides have faced off four times before in Europe and it's honours even, with two wins apiece. Home advantage was key in those games and Arsenal romped to a 5-1 win when Shakhtar last came calling in 2010.
Players to watch: Time to put faith in Jesus?
Arteta had a few injury concerns heading into the weekend loss to Bournemouth and could make a few changes here to protect players from another setback. Gabriel Jesus hasn't started much this season but may get unleashed here and the Brazilian forward is evens at Betfred for anytime scorer.
Heorhii Sudakov scored four times in Shakhtar Donetsk's league win over LNZ Cherkasy earlier this month and looks their best bet for a goal. He's 17/4 with Betano for anytime scorer.
Probable line-ups
Martin Odegaard still isn't fit for the Gunners while Arteta might give the likes of Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz the night off after picking up injuries during the international break.
Keeper Tymur Puzankov is out for Shakhtar Donetsk who are also sweating on the fitness of midfielder Taras Stepanenko.
Arsenal: Raya, White, Tomayasu, Gabriel, Saliba, Partey, Rice, Jorginho, Sterling, Jesus, Trossard.
Shakhtar Donetsk: Riznyk, Bondar, Henrique, Ghram, Matviienko, Bondarenko, Kryskiv, Sudakov, Zubkov, Gomes, Eguinaldo.
Anything else catch the eye?
Arsenal should have too much class for the Ukrainians but it's hard finding value with the Gunners such heavy favourites. However, combining the home win with under 3.5 goals pays 7/5 at Betfred and that might stand a chance if Arteta makes a few changes.
Arteta's side should dominate possession and that could lead them racking up a few corners. Over 9.5 match corners pays 10/11 at Unibet while the same firm price Arsenal -6 at 13/10 in that handicap.
This UEFA Champions League match between Arsenal and Shakhtar Donetsk will be played on Oct 22, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Arsenal vs Shakhtar Donetsk prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
In December 2020 we sadly 
