Match Preview & Prediction
Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk have been in the news of late after the club urged FIFA to remove Iran from the 2022 World Cup due to reports that the Islamic Republic has been supplying Russia with weapons during their continued invasion of the country. A recent photo of the club sitting in their dressing room during a postponed match in Lviv due to air raid sirens was a poignant reminder of what is at stake for the club that bears the hopes of thousands of fans amid tragedy.
What is at stake on the pitch in Poland at Stadion Wojska Polskiego is nothing short of Shakhtar having their own European destiny in their hands. Sitting three points adrift of Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig but owning the head-to-head record after a 4-1 matchday one win and a superior goal difference means a win for the Ukrainian side and they are into the round of 16, but can still boast qualification for the Europa League knockout stage should they fail to secure all three points.
Shakhtar has been decent in Europe as well having just lost once in group play, but three draws on their CV, two which of came against bottom-dwelling Celtic, find them in the position they are in.
As for Leipzig, Marco Rose’s men have won three on the bounce and are the in-form side in Group F at the time of writing and that run included a very credible 3-2 win against Real Madrid in Saxony. RBL has struggled for goals away from home, however, so there is still the possibility of last-gasp heroics from Shakhtar, who come into proceedings with fewer worries on the injury front and a potential x-factor in club starlet winger Mykhailo Mudryk to counter the threat of RBL forward Christopher Nkunku. This has all the storylines to be one of the better fixtures on the final day of group play.
Prediction: Shakhtar Donetsk 1-1 RB Leipzig
Betting Tips
Shakhtar & RBL to draw with both teams scoring (4/1)
Final day drama could be set to unfold as Shakhtar needs a win at home to reach the knockout stage while a draw will suit RBL to remain second
Bet £10 on a Shakhtar & RBL scoring draw and receive a payout of £50
Shakhtar Donetsk vs RB Leipzig
November 02, 2022
5:45 pm GMT
Mykhailo Mudryk to score anytime (7/1)
Ukrainian starlet Mykhailo Mudryk has been one of the breakout players across Europe this season and could continue in that vein against RBL
Bet £10 on Mykhailo Mudryk scoring anytime and receive a payout of £80
Shakhtar Donetsk vs RB Leipzig
November 02, 2022
5:45 pm GMT