Arsenal vs Shakhtar Donetsk: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

Arsenal are looking to win their second game in the Champions League this season, and we are backing them to do so comfortably. The Gunners have built quite a reputable fortress under Mikel Arteta when it comes to playing at the Emirates, with the side unbeaten in their last eight home games in all competitions. Their last defeat was a 2-0 loss to Aston Villa.

The hosts have shown great goalscoring exploits on home soil, scoring 14 times in their last four home fixtures. They have also been first-half winners on four of their previous five home fixtures, so look for them to get off to another quick start.

Shakhtar Donetsk have an abysmal record against English teams, having won just once in the last nine. This was a 2-1 home win over Man City in 2017. Since than win, they have lost six and drawn twice – Arsenal 3-0 Shakhtar Donetsk

Matchday three of the Champions League sees Arsenal host Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk, looking to continue their unbeaten start to the competition.

Date: 22/10/24

Kick-off time: 20:00

Venue: Emirates Stadium

Arsenal look to be competing on all four fronts this season, but their attention will be shifted to European action in midweek. The North Londoners have never won a Champions League trophy in their history, but will be confident in their chances of going deep in this season’s tournament. They have enjoyed a strong start to the season but tasted defeat in their most recent game at Bournemouth. However, they will expect to get back to winning ways. Currently 13th in the Champions League standings after a win and a draw, they come into this one with four wins in their last five in all competitions.

Visiting the Emirates are Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk. Domestically, they are in fourth position having won six and drawn two of their first eight. In Europe, they are 27th following a draw and defeat from their opening two games. They drew their first game with Bologna, before losing 3-0 to Atalanta.

They will be desperately searching for their first win, but face one of the toughest opponents in Europe. Arsenal have one of the best defences in the competition, headlined by the centre back pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel. Shakhtar, however, will be hoping to bring their league form into this game. So far, they have scored 25 goals in the Ukrainian Premier League, by far the most of any team. Although, they have not found the back of the net in either Champions League game. If they are to trouble the Arsenal backline, they will likely rely on top scorer Heorhiy Sudakov, who has scored seven goals in 10 games.

The hosts have plenty of attacking threats which should cause Shakhtar problems. Kai Havertz has provided four league goals in eight games, as well as six overall. He scored in their victory over PSG on matchday two. Bukayo Saka also found the net in that game and is another dangerous player to look out for. The winger has 10 goal involvements in nine games.

There is little history between these two sides as they have only played against each other four times. Both have won two games each, though the most recent meeting was in 2010, which was won 2-1 by Shakhtar. All four fixtures took place in the Champions League group stages.

Arsenal vs Shakhtar Donetsk will be available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.

Arsenal

Arsenal remain without midfielder Martin Odegaard, but hope to welcome back Bukayo Saka who missed the last game as a precaution. Jurrien Timber is also nearing a return but this game may come too soon.

Shakhtar Donetsk

Goalkeeper Tymur Puzankov is out with a cruciate ligament injury in what should be Shakhtar’s only absentee. Manager Marino Pusic made changes between the first two Champions League games and he could opt for another new lineup this week. Expect Eguinaldo and Heorhiy Sudakov to maintain their place in the starting XI.

Arsenal:

In their last five games, Arsenal have won four and lost one. The Gunners had enjoyed an unbeaten start to the season until their most recent game against Bournemouth. They lost 2-0 away from home with goals from Ryan Christie and Justin Kluivert. William Saliba had earlier been sent off. This run started with a 5-1 win at home to Bolton which comfortably saw them through to the fourth round of the EFL Cup. Seventeen-year old Ethan Nwaneri scored twice, and Raheem Sterling netted his first goal for the club.

Arsenal continued their strong start to the league season with a 4-2 win over Leicester. After taking a 2-0 lead, a brace from James Justin levelled it up at 2-2. An own goal clinched the win deep into stoppage time before Havertz added a fourth to put it to bed.

A return to Champions League action followed and they picked up their first win against PSG. They won 2-0 with goals from Havertz and Bukayo Saka. Before the international break Arsenal won 3-1 against Southampton. The Saints took a shock lead, but a quick response from Havertz levelled the score. Gabriel Martinelli and Saka secured the three points.

Shakhtar Donetsk:

In their last five games, Shakhtar Donetsk have won three, drawn one and lost one. It has been a strong stretch for the Ukrainian side as they competed across two competitions. This run began with a comfortable 4-0 win over Obolon-Brovar in the league. They took the lead through Artem Bondarenko, before second-half goals from Lassina Traore, Heorhiy Sudakov and Newerton put the game to bed.

They were unable to continue this winning momentum as they dropped points away at Veres Rivne in the next game. The final score was 1-1, as an 81st minute equaliser cancelled out Sudakov’s opener from the penalty spot. Attention shifted to European action as they took on Atalanta in the Champions League. Their winless start to the tournament continued, losing 3-0 at home. Goals from Berat Djimsiti, Ademola Lookman and Raoul Bellanova won the game for the Italians.

A return to the league saw them respond in emphatic fashion. They beat LNZ 5-1 at home, taking a two-goal lead into half-time. Their visitors pulled one back at 5-0, but the game was already over. Sudakov scored four goals. Their most recent game saw them pick up another victory, this time 1-0 away at Kolos. The winning goal came courtesy of an own goal with half an hour to go.

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