Verdict: Shakhtar Donetsk DNB
Best odds: 2.17
Bookmaker: ZetBet
Shakhtar Donetsk will host Marseille within the 1st leg of the Europa League knockout stage. The recreation might be performed in Hamburg at Volksparkstadion, the place the hosts held their present season European video games.
Shakhtar Donetsk
The hosts impressed this season of the Uefa Champions League ending third in a bunch with Barcelona, Porto and Antwerp. The decisive match in Portugal in opposition to Porto was a real present displayed by either side. Porto managed to win 5-3, ending 2nd in group H and dropping the Ukrainians within the Europa League. However, regardless of this disappointing defeat, Shakhtar gained twice in opposition to Antwerp and created a serious upset by defeating the giants of Spanish soccer, Barcelona.
Domestically, the Miners are engaged in a tough title race trailing league leaders Kryvbas with 3 factors. Despite this surprising league place, Shakhtar misplaced solely 2 video games performed within the Premier Liga. Vorskla Poltava and Dnipro had been the perimeters who surprisingly defeated Marino Pusic’s group on Shakhtar’s turf.
The Donetsk group performed solely pleasant matches since 13 December. This lack of aggressive video games can show to be a decisive issue when the Miners host OM who’s in full throttle in Ligue 1. However, a head-to-head benefit over Gatusso’s group can increase the Ukrainians’ confidence who gained each earlier matches performed again in 2009.
Team News
Shakhtar Donetsk might be and not using a few key gamers who’re sidelined as a result of accidents. Marino Pusic won’t be able to depend on 4 gamers. Ivan Petryak remains to be working laborious to get well from his ankle harm. Lassina Traore suffered a tendon tear in the beginning of the season and is anticipated to return on the finish of February.
Marlon Gomes suffered a calf harm in the beginning of February in one of many pleasant video games performed. Goalkeeper Tymur Puzankov additionally joined him within the restoration room as a result of a cruciate ligament tear.
Marseille
Marseille completed 2nd in a Europa League group with Brighton, Ajax and AEK Athens. Although this was thought of to be one of the tough teams, OM managed to safe a 2nd place qualifying subsequently within the knockout phases. Brighton was the one group who managed to defeat Gatusso’s aspect (1-0) at American Express Stadium following a good recreation performed in mid-December.
The Olympians misplaced their final end-of-year momentum successful solely a Cup recreation in opposition to decrease league aspect US Thionville. Despite this success, OM was knocked out within the following spherical by Rennes after a dramatic penalty shootout. Marseille is struggling to search out its Ligue 1 rhythm, failing to win within the final 5 rounds. A defeat away at rivals Lyon adopted by a stalemate at house in opposition to Metz are the worst outcomes earlier than the tough journey to Germany.
Gennaro Gatusso wants to deal with the poor away shows by his aspect who managed to win solely 3 video games this season in all competitions. These are disappointing outcomes from a aspect that’s aiming at a prime 4 end in Ligue 1 with hopes of enjoying Champions League soccer subsequent season.
Team News
Gatusso may have all his necessary gamers accessible to face Shakhtar Donetsk. However, Valentin Roniger, the gifted centre midfielder, is out with a damaged knee cap. Bilal Nadir suffered a horrible cruciate ligament tear within the recreation performed in opposition to Rennes that may see him out for the remainder of the season.
Centreback Chancel Mbemba is prone to being suspended if he will get booked. Gatusso may also be glad to have some gamers return to the squad following the ending of the AFCON match.
Key components to contemplate
- Shakhtar Donetsk defeated Barcelona within the Champions League and scored 3 objectives on Estadio do Dragao in opposition to Porto
- The Miners wish to regain their home champions crown on the finish of the season
- Marino Pusic’s group performed the final aggressive match in mid-December
- Marseille misplaced a single recreation within the Europa League group stage
- The guests gained solely one among their final 6 aggressive matches
- Genarro Gatusso’s aspect by no means gained in opposition to Shakhtar Donetsk (L2)
Conclusion
Marseille may have a tough journey to Hamburg contemplating the most recent shows. Although Shakhtar hadn’t performed a aggressive match since mid-December, the hosts had numerous time to organize particulars for the match in opposition to OM. Gatusso’s aspect type is dipping successful just one of their final 6 matches. On the opposite hand, Marino Pusic’s group was as much as the duty in opposition to prime sides like Barcelona and Porto.
Verdict: Shakhtar Donetsk DNB
Best odds: 2.17
Bookmaker: ZetBet
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