Shakhtar Donetsk host Young Boys in a UEFA Champions League fixture with both teams still searching for their first win in the competition. The Swiss side have been poor on the road lately and are set to struggle.
It has been a troubling start to the Champions League for Shakhtar Donetsk, who are still without a win after three matches. Marino Pusic’s men have also failed to find the net so far and were beaten 1-0 by Arsenal in their previous fixture.
The task for Shakhtar Donetsk will be to carry their domestic good form into the Champions League as their overall showings have been quite good. They have lost just once in their last six matches across all competitions, claiming four wins in that run.
Young Boys are in a similar situation with Shakhtar Donetsk as they are also seeking their first win in the Champions League. They have actually lost all three of their matches so far, failing to score in each fixture and losing 1-0 to Inter Milan last time out.
Unlike Shakhtar Donetsk, Young Boys are struggling everywhere having picked up just two wins from their last eight matches across all competitions. Joel Magnin’s men have also failed to win in their last four away matches, failing to score in all four fixtures.
How the bookies view it: Shakhtar to win
The bookies have installed Shakhtar Donetsk as overwhelming favourites, with a home win priced at 11/10 by Betfred. A victory for Young Boys is valued at 12/5 by Betfred, who is offering 5/2 for a draw.
Head to head: Evenly split
Shakhtar Donetsk and Young Boys met during the Champions League qualifiers back in 2016. Both teams claimed 2-0 victories in their home fixtures before the Swiss side progressed on penalties.
Players to watch: Keep an eye on Sikan
Danylo Sikan often leads the line for Shakhtar Donetsk and could be the one to watch on Wednesday. The striker has three goals this season and is priced at 2/1 by Betfred to get on the score sheet.
Given Young Boys’ attacking problems, Shakhtar Donetsk will be targeting a shutout on Wednesday. Mykola Matviienko and Alaa Ghram should continue there central defensive partnership and can lead the Ukrainians to a clean sheet at 21/10 by Betfred.
Probable line-ups
Shakhtar Donetsk have no injury problems or suspensions and boast a fully fit squad to choose from. Sikan should continue to lead the line with Heorhiy Sudakov and Artem Bondarenko providing support.
Young Boys have a few injury concerns with Facinet Conte, Saidy Janko and Mats Seiler among the sidelined players. Cedric Itten and Meschack Elia should partner in attack while Lori’s Benito is set to continue at the back.
Shakhtar Donetsk: Riznyk, Henrique, Matviienko, Ghram, Konoplia, Gomes, Newerton, Sudakov, Bondarenko, Zubkov, Sikan
Young Boys: von Ballmoos, Athekame, Lauper, Benito, Blum, Monteiro, Lakomy, Ugrinic, Virginius, Itten, Elia
Anything else catch the eye?
With Young Boys struggling for goals at the moment, Shakhtar Donetsk will be targeting a win to nil at 11/4 by Betfred. The Ukrainians’ quality in attack means a -1 handicap could also be considered at 11/4 with Betfred.
Shakhtar Donetsk will be keen to improve their goal difference and could be backed to score in both halves at 9/5 with Betfred.
This UEFA Champions League match between Shakhtar Donetsk and Young Boys will be played on Nov 6, 2024 and kick off at 18:45. Check below for our tipsters best Shakhtar Donetsk vs Young Boys prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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