Bologna begin their first ever UEFA Champions League campaign with a home clash against Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday. Both teams have not been too convincing this season and with the defences looking vulnerable, goals could be expected here.
It has not been the best start to the campaign for Bologna, who are struggling to replicate last season’s showing. Vincenzo Italiano’s men head into their Champions League debut still without a win this term, although they have only been beaten once.
Bologna have been plagued by too many draws this season and head into Wednesday’s clash off the back of a 2-2 draw with Como in a Serie A fixture. However, the major problem appears to be a lack of discipline at the back having failed to keep a single clean sheet this term.
Shakhtar Donetsk have more experience in the Champions League having made it to the main competition several times before. Their form at the start of the season has been a bit erratic having claimed three wins and suffered two defeats from five previous matches.
The Ukrainian giants are coming off a 5-2 victory over Karpaty Lviv last weekend, in a clash that highlights their vulnerable backline. Marino Pusic’s men have conceded six times in their last two matches and three away a two-goal lead to lose 4-3 at Oleksandria in their previous away fixture.
How the bookies view it: Bologna fancied
Bologna have the upper hand among the bookies and are priced at 5/6 by Betfred to claim the win. A victory for Shakhtar Donetsk is valued at 7/2 while Betfred is also offering odds of 5/2 for a draw.
Head to head: No previous meetings
This will be the first ever meeting between Bologna and Shakhtar Donetsk.
Players to watch: Eyes on Dallinga
Thijs Dallinga is yet to get off the mark for Bologna but has European experience with former club Toulouse and even has a goal at Anfield. The striker could be worth keeping an eye on at 6/4 with Betfred.
Shakhtar Donetsk will look to Danylo Sikan to provide the spark in attack, having found the net three times in five matches this season. The forward is priced at 11/4 by Betfred to get on the score sheet on Wednesday.
Probable line-ups
Lewis Ferguson remains the major injury absentee for Bologna with the midfielder yet to feature this season. Dallinga should lead the line once again with Riccardo Orsolini providing support.
Shakhtar Donetsk have no major injuries or suspensions and should stick to the team that won last Saturday. Sikan and Oleksandr Zubkov should feature in attack while Valeriy Bondar is set to start at the back.
Bologna: Skorupski, Posch, Beukema, Casale, Miranda, Freuler, Odgaard, Pobega, Fabbian, Orsolini, Dallinga
Shakhtar Donetsk: Riznyk, Vinicius Tobias, Bondar, Franjic, Pedrinho, Kryskiv, Bondarenko, Sudakov, Kevin, Zubkov, Sikan
Anything else catch the eye?
Given the defensive vulnerability on both sides, goals could be expected on Wednesday. Both teams could be backed to score at 5/6 with Betfred, who is also offering 10/11 for over 2.5 goals while over 3.5 goals is valued at 5/2.
There were more goals after the break in Bologna’s Serie A fixture last weekend and a similar pattern is priced at 11/10 by Betfred.
This UEFA Champions League match between Bologna and Shakhtar Donetsk will be played on Sep 18, 2024 and kick off at 17:45. Check below for our tipsters best Bologna vs Shakhtar Donetsk prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
