Shakhtar Donetsk vs Sporting CP Predictions & Betting Tips - Close Clash Expected in the Champions League
Shakhtar Donetsk face Sporting CP in the Champions League, with a draw tipped as the main selection. Sporting arrive with a caretaker manager after Rui Borges' departure, while Shakhtar have shown resilience, remaining hard to beat in Europe. The Ukrainian side boast a talented Brazilian contingent and have recently secured strong results. Sporting, in transition and adjusting to interim management, may settle for a point in London. Both teams' recent form and circumstances suggest a closely contested match, making a draw the recommended outcome.
- Sporting come into this clash after sacking Rui Borges
- Shakhtar have picked up 4 points in the Champions League
- I am expecting a close encounter at Stamford Bridge
Shakhtar Donetsk have been hard to beat in the Champions League, their only defeat a narrow one at Inter Milan.
Sporting are in transition after sacking Rui Borges and could be content with a point in London.
Stats
- Shakhtar Donetsk are undefeated in 11 of their last 12 matches.
- Sporting CP are undefeated in 19 of their last 21 matches.
HTH
These club have met twice, in the 2008/09 Champions League group stage, Sporting winning 1-0 in both legs.
Shakhtar Hard to Beat
Shakhtar Donetsk have been hard to beat this season and are holding their own in the Champions League. A 1-1 draw at PSV was followed by a 3-1 win against AEK Athens.
The Ukraine club kept it tight at Inter Milan, playing against 10 men for the final 20 minutes during which they conceded in a 1-0 defeat.
Arda Turan’s side have won their last two matches, beating Dynamo Kiev 3-0 in the Cup and defeating Obolon 2-0 to preserve their lead in the Premier League.
Sporting Sack Borges
Sporting went unbeaten in their opening ten matches this season despite keeping three clean sheets. Their first defeat came at home in the Champions League, 3-2 against LASK Linz.
The Lions then lost 2-1 against Academico Viseu despite ending with 71% possession and 2.22-0.77 xG.
Rui Borges’ side bounced back in the League Cup, Pedro Lima starting and scoring two goals in a 2-1 win against Maritimo. Lima scored again in a 2-0 win at Casa Pia where they had 2.86-0.34 xG.
It wasn’t enough to save Borges who had been under pressure, the manager relieved of his duties with Tiago Fernandes taking over on an interim basis.
It appears that Paulo Fonseca will be leaving Lyon to become the next permanent manager.
Predicted Lineups & Team News
Shakhtar Donetsk (4-3-3) Dmytro Riznyk; Vinícius Tobias, Valeriy Bondar, Mykola Matvienko, Pedro Henrique; Isaque, Marlon Gomes, Oleg Ocheretko; Alisson, Kaua Elias, Gleiker Mendoza
Centre-back Marlon Santos is out with wingers Pedrinho and Eguinaldo battling injuries.
Sporting CP (4-2-3-1) Kaique Pereira; Iván Fresneda, Eduardo Quaresma, Gonçalo Inácio, Maxi Araújo; Sergi Altimira, Issa Doumbia; Geny Catamo, Pedro Lima, Nestory Irankunda; Luis Suarez
Zeno Debast is out with Nuno Santos still doubtful after a long injury layoff. Rodrigo Zalazar has trained without limitations and could play a part in London.
Verdict
Sporting come into this clash with a caretaker manager and can’t afford to underestimate Shakhtar. The Ukrainian club have a stack of talented Brazilian players, this one to end in a draw.
Draw
Full Time Result
@27/10 - 3 Units
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1-1 Draw
Correct Score
@13/2 - 1 Unit
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