Shakhtar Donetsk – Benfica : Preview & Prediction
Shakhtar Donetsk receives Benfica on Thursday, on the lawn of the Oblasny SportKomplex Metalist in Kharkiv. On the occasion of these round of 16 first leg of the Europa League, the men of Luis Castro will try to take an advantage over the Portuguese club before returning to Lisbon, and to put themselves in the best possible conditions to continue to exist on the European plan this season. In the middle of the winter break since mid-December, they will notably rely on their good results in friendlies (3 successes in progress), and their preparation based exclusively around this match to perform. In a delicate situation after his two defeats against Porto (3-2) and Braga (0-1), the defending champion of Portugal must therefore beware: Donetsk will not give him anything on his lawn Thursday. Already overtaken by Porto in the championship, Bruno Lage’s men could experience another complicated evening in mid-February.
Benfica just lost to Porto and Braga, and to draw to Famalicao (cup).
Donetsk was full of confidence on his side, chaining the good performances in friendlies.
Pyatov, Junior Moraes (15 goals in 16 games), Konoplyanka, Alan Patrick, Taison, Dentinho … the Ukrainian workforce has nothing to envy to that of the Portuguese club.
In LDC this season, Shakhtar won against Atalanta, then stood up to Manchester City in England. That is to say its quality.
Benfica had lost to Zenit and Lyon, to draw in Leipzig. Complicated European trips for Lisbon people.
Far from being less armed than their opponents, the Brazilian and Ukrainian talents of Shakhtar Donetsk are largely able to prevail on Thursday on their lawn. Under the 2 ° C announced, the leaders of the Ukrainian championship could well push Benfica a little more into doubt. Donetsk’s success therefore, for this Europa League prediction.
Shakhtar Donetsk – Benfica : Betting Tips
Shakhtar Donetsk – Win Odds: 2.25
Both teams to score / YES – Odds: 1.70
Over 2.5 Goals – Odds: 1.70
