Arsenal vs Shakhtar Donetsk Preview
- Arsenal to win
- Arsenal to score in the first half
Arsenal’s Need for a Response
Arsenal enter this UEFA Champions League (UCL) clash against Shakhtar Donetsk on the back of an unexpected 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth in the Premier League.
Manager Mikel Arteta pointed to “two big errors,” including a costly 30th-minute red card for defender William Saliba, as key reasons for their first competitive loss since a 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in the UCL back in April.
Now, bouncing back in Europe is the priority ahead of a pivotal weekend clash with title rivals Liverpool.
Despite the weekend setback, Arsenal should feel confident heading into this encounter, especially with their strong UCL home form.
They are unbeaten in their last nine UCL group/league phase home matches (W8, D1), with all eight victories coming alongside clean sheets.
However, Arsenal have never managed to shut out Shakhtar Donetsk in their previous four meetings (W2, L2), conceding at least two goals on three occasions.
Shakhtar Donetsk’s Struggles in Europe
Shakhtar Donetsk arrive in London with domestic form on their side but are still struggling to replicate that success on the European stage.
Currently sitting six points behind Dynamo Kyiv in the Ukrainian Premier League, Shakhtar added a 1-0 victory over Kolos Kovalivka on Friday night to stretch their unbeaten league run to five matches (W4, D1).
However, they have yet to transfer that form into Europe, as they remain winless in this UCL campaign.
Their recent history in England doesn’t inspire much hope either, as they’ve failed to win any of their last seven UCL visits to English clubs (D1, L6).
Shakhtar will need to defy the odds to avoid extending their streak of failing to reach the knockout rounds in each of their last six UCL campaigns, but a victory here seems unlikely against a resurgent Arsenal side.
Key Players to Watch
Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)
Martinelli has a habit of striking early in European matches, with all five of his UCL goals coming before half-time. His ability to create early momentum for Arsenal will be crucial in ensuring they stay on the front foot, especially after their disappointing domestic loss.
Oleksandr Zubkov (Shakhtar Donetsk)
Zubkov has been a key figure for Shakhtar, scoring three goals this season, all of which came in matches where his team netted exactly five times. His knack for scoring in victories could make him a pivotal player if Shakhtar are to spring a surprise at the Emirates.
Conclusion
Arsenal will be keen to put their Premier League defeat behind them with a dominant performance in the Champions League.
Their home record and superior firepower make them strong favourites against a Shakhtar side that has consistently struggled in England. Expect Arsenal to bounce back with a win, although Shakhtar’s attacking threat could make for an entertaining contest.
Prediction: Arsenal to win comfortably, with a clean sheet and early goals likely to be decisive.
For more info on this game, you may also visit:
Arsenal vs Shakhtar | UEFA Champions League 2024/25