Borussia Dortmund vs Shakhtar Prediction - Champions League

Here at Bettingexpert, Tom Winch has put together a prediction, team news, lineups and fixtures preview ahead of the Champions League match between Dortmund vs Shakhtar. The home side have struggled in recent weeks but are in a comfortable position in this competition.

Shakhtar have to give it their all. Only a win will do. It’s somewhat out of their hands, given a significant points gap between them and the teams inside the top 24. Marino Pusic’s men could be a valuable underdog heading here. The last time they visited Germany as an away side, they defeated Leipzig 4-1.

Dortmund vs Shakhtar Prediction: Goals Galore In Germany

Europe, Champions League, Wednesday, January 29th, 20:00 (UK)

Borussia Dortmund arrives here in a disastrous moment. Bremen fought back from a two-goal deficit at Signal Iduna Park on Saturday afternoon to claim a point. It’s now five consecutive winless matches for The Black and Yellow. The German side will be thankful they’ve confirmed a place in the knockout play-offs. Mike Tullberg is the interim coach after Dortmund parted ways with Nuri Sahin. It’s his first Champions League encounter where they’re fancied to win despite the lacklustre results.

Ukrainian outfit Shakhtar have given themselves a chance. Marino Pusic’s men defeated Brest on the previous matchday, which saw them climb into 27th. It’s fair to say that their hopes of finishing in the top 24 are incredibly slim. Shakhtar must win in Germany and hope other results go in their favour. We’ve seen strange things happen in football in recent times. 

Dortmund are a massive club who have some of the best fans in the world. Their home record is rather respectable. The German side have claimed 21 points from a possible 30 in the Bundesliga. Celtic got hit for seven earlier in the season. Sturm Graz lost late on in round four. Barcelona, alongside Leverkusen, are the only teams to have inflicted defeat at this venue in 24/25. Interestingly, both matches ended 2-3.

Clean sheets have been a rare sight. It’s now ten matches in a row where the home side have conceded. Across the entire campaign, Dortmund has conceded in 20 of their 27 games. You can never underestimate their attacking strength, especially at this venue. The German side has scored in all 13 encounters here, with multiple goals arriving in ten games.

The away side has to come here and win, simple as that. Pusic’s men will attack and with purpose. Shakhtar began their Champions League campaign without scoring in their opening three matches. They bagged twice against Young Boys and PSV in consecutive outings. Bayern bashed them 5-1 despite Kevin giving the Ukrainian side a shock lead. That 2-0 win against Brest will provide confidence despite their almighty challenge.

I like the look of goals in this clash. There have been 30 goals in seven Dortmund matches, with six of their seven having seen at least three strikes. An improved performance is expected from the home team. They still have an opportunity to finish inside the top eight. Offensively, they’re strong. Serhou Guirassy has scored seven times in this competition. Jamie Gittens and Karim Adeyemi provide speed and trickery on either flank.

We can’t rule out Shakhtar from scoring themselves. The visitors have accumulated 7.9xG in their seven matches so far. It’s not been the most straightforward campaign, given they’ve faced Bologna, Atalanta, Arsenal, PSV and Bayern. They’ll be adventurous and keen to unlock this underwhelming Dortmund defence. 

• Dortmund vs Shakhtar Prediction: Over 3.0 Goals (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 1.80
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 5/10 (TRACKED BET)

Dortmund vs Shakhtar Prediction odds via bet365 as at 14:00, January 27th, 2024. Odds may now differ.

Dortmund vs Shakhtar Team News: Shakhtar Arrive With A Full Squad

There appear to be two injury concerns for the hosts. Felix Nmecha is suffering from a knee injury. He’ll likely return at the end of March. Niklas Sule is the other absentee. The German defender hasn’t featured since early December. Niklas will be back in action within the next few weeks.

Shakhtar Donetsk have a fully fit squad heading to Dortmund. Marino Pusic has all his star players raring to go. Brazilian youngster Kevin has scored in consecutive matches for the Ukrainian side. Georgiy Sudakov is highly rated. He’ll operate in midfield. There are several youngsters in this team who’ll be eager to show their talent on the biggest stage.

Dortmund possible starting lineup:
Kobel; Ryseron, Can, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini, Gross, Sabitzer, Brandt, Adeyemi, Gittens, Guirassy

Shakhtar possible starting lineup:
Riznyk; Tobias, Bondar, Matviyenko, Azarovi, Kryskiv, Gomes, Sudakov, Kevin, Pedrinho, Traore

Match OPTA Stats: Goals, Saves & Penalties

• Dortmund have scored 19 goals, the second most in the competition.
• Shakhtar’s goalkeeper has saved 35 shots, only Milan’s shot stopper has recorded a higher amount.
• The German side have been awarded five penalties, no side has earned more.

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