Barcelona vs Shakhtar Donetsk
England Championship, KO: 17:45 Oct 25, 2023, Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys
Barcelona will be aiming to stay perfect in Group H of the UEFA Champions League as they host Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday. The Catalans are looking imperious this season, particularly at home and should have too much quality for the Ukrainians.
It has been a smooth ride for Barcelona in the opening weeks of the Champions League as they have won both their matches so far. Having begun with a comfortable 5-0 victory over Royal Antwerp, they were tested by FC Porto before earning a 1-0 victory thanks to Ferran Torres’ first half effort.
Barcelona have enjoyed a solid overall start to the season as they are yet to taste defeat across all competitions so far. They head into Tuesday’s clash off the back of a 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao with Marc Guiu’s effort 10 minutes from time proving the difference.
That result highlights Barcelona’s continued defensive solidity at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, where they have kept clean sheets in five of their last six matches across all competitions. Xavi’s men are also yet to concede a goal in the Champions League this season.
Shakhtar Donetsk were also victorious last time out in the Champions League as they picked up a 3-2 victory at Royal Antwerp. They fought back from two goals down at the break with Danylo Sikan netting a brace while Yaroslav Rakitskyi was also on target.
It was a good way to bounce back after suffering a 3-1 home defeat to FC Porto in their opening fixture. It was also the first Champions League victory for Shakhtar Donetsk since September 2022, ending a run of six matches without a win.
While Shakhtar Donetsk are looking to build on that result, their overall form in recent weeks will also give them confidence. Darijo Srna’s men have won four of their last five matches across all competitions, including a 3-0 victory over LNZ Cherkasy in a domestic fixture last weekend.
How the bookies view it
Barcelona have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies with a home win priced at 2/11 by bet365. An unlikely victory for Shakhtar Donetsk is valued at 18/1 by Coral while a draw is set at odds of 7/1 by William Hill.
Head to head
Barcelona have a 5-2 advantage from seven previous matches against Shakhtar Donetsk. The last meeting between both teams was in the Champions League quarter finals back in 2011 with the Catalans doing the double over the Ukrainians.
Players to watch
With Robert Lewandowski still struggling with an ankle problem, Ferran Torres could be worth keeping an eye on for Barcelona. The forward scored the winner last time out at Porto and is priced at 8/5 by bet365 to find the net on Wednesday.
Barcelona have also been solid at the back and are yet to concede a goal in the Champions League so far. Andreas Christensen has been pivotal at the heart of the defence and can lead the Catalans to a clean sheet at 5/6 with bet365.
Anything else catch the eye?
Barcelona have won to nil in their two Champions League matches and could be set for a repeat at 11/10 with Paddy Power. Having claimed a 5-0 victory in their previous home fixture in the competition, a -2 handicap could also be considered at 6/4 with Paddy Power.
With Barcelona expected to be dominant on Wednesday, they could be tipped to win both halves at 13/10 by Paddy Power.
This England Championship match between Barcelona and Shakhtar Donetsk will be played on Oct 25, 2023 and kick off at 17:45. Check below for our tipsters best Barcelona vs Shakhtar Donetsk prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
