Arsenal vs Shakhtar Donetsk Predictions

Arsenal vs Shakhtar Donetsk predictions for this Champions League fixture. Arsenal, aiming to bounce back from their Premier League setback, will look to preserve their Champions League unbeaten run when they host Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday night. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.

Champions League | League Stage | Oct 22, 2024 at 8pm UK at Emirates Stadium

Arsenal vs Shakhtar Donetsk Predictions

Can Arsenal Overcome Shakhtar’s Challenge After a Shocking Defeat?

• Fewest Shots in Europe: Shakhtar Donetsk have registered just 10 shots in the Champions League this season, the lowest of any team in the competition, highlighting their lack of attacking threat.
• Arsenal’s Home Fortress: Arsenal have not lost a non-knockout stage Champions League game at home since 2015, a run of form that suggests Shakhtar will have an uphill task at the Emirates.
• Shakhtar’s Clean Sheet Struggles: Shakhtar have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last three Champions League games, conceding six goals across those fixtures, showing vulnerability in defence.

Our Tips

Tuesday night will see Arsenal hosting Shakhtar Donetsk at the Emirates Stadium, in what could be a pivotal Champions League clash for the Gunners. After a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth in the Premier League, Arsenal will be looking to rediscover their winning ways in Europe. With their unbeaten league run halted in frustrating fashion, Mikel Arteta’s men face the prospect of a crucial group-stage fixture without key players. The question hanging in the air is, can Arsenal bounce back quickly and maintain their momentum in Europe, or will Shakhtar capitalise on Arsenal’s inconsistency?

Shakhtar, currently struggling in the Ukrainian Premier League, are also not in top form, with their own European campaign off to a stuttering start. Their recent 3-0 demolition at the hands of Atalanta highlights the gulf in quality they may face in London. The Ukrainian side are certainly underdogs in this contest, but as we know, football has a funny way of turning the script on its head when you least expect it. With both teams needing a result to solidify their standing in the group, this fixture has the potential to be quite a spectacle.

Best Bet: Arsenal/Arsenal Half Time/Full Time

Arsenal to lead at both half-time and full-time seems the standout bet here, and it’s easy to see why. Despite their stumble against Bournemouth, Arsenal’s home form in the Champions League has been solid, and the Gunners have a track record of quick starts, especially at home. When you pair that with Shakhtar’s recent struggles in Europe, it’s difficult to see the Ukrainian side getting much joy out of this match.

Shakhtar’s attacking play has left much to be desired in the Champions League this season, with just 10 shots and only one on target in their opening two matches. Their goalless draw against Bologna was a sluggish affair, and they followed that up with a heavy defeat to Atalanta. Given these facts, it’s hard to imagine them having the firepower to trouble an Arsenal defence that, while not flawless, has shown its ability to lock down weaker opposition.

Arsenal, meanwhile, will likely be without the influential Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, but even with these absences, they should have more than enough quality to overpower Shakhtar. Players like Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus have stepped up in recent weeks, and Kai Havertz, who has found the back of the net in four of Arsenal’s last five matches, will be itching to extend his good run of form. Given Shakhtar’s weak defensive showings, Arsenal should be able to put them under pressure from the first whistle.

BettingTips4You.com expert Gram Dodd highlights Arsenal’s ability to seize control early on: “Shakhtar’s poor European form this season, coupled with Arsenal’s determined home approach, makes a half-time/full-time Gunners victory the best bet. Even without some key names, Arsenal should dominate this one from the outset.”

Shakhtar may have kept clean sheets in four Ukrainian Premier League matches this season, but they have struggled when facing top-tier European opposition. Their lack of attacking edge, combined with Arsenal’s firepower, makes a convincing argument for the Gunners to be ahead at both intervals. Arsenal are expected to come out firing, especially after the sour taste of their weekend defeat, and this makes a fast start all the more likely.

Best Bet: Gabriel Jesus to score Anytime

For a goalscorer tip in this match, a strong candidate is Gabriel Jesus. While Havertz has been in fine form, Jesus has been a crucial player in Arsenal’s attacking setup, often leading the line and creating plenty of opportunities for himself and others. With Saka and Ødegaard potentially absent, more responsibility could fall on Jesus to deliver in the final third. His movement, ability to exploit space, and finishing skills make him a constant threat, especially against a Shakhtar side that has struggled defensively in the Champions League.

Moreover, Jesus’ experience in Europe and his knack for scoring in crucial matches will be key. He’s well-positioned to capitalise on any defensive lapses from Shakhtar, and with the home crowd behind him, there’s a strong chance he’ll find the back of the net.

BettingTips4You.com expert Gram Dodd adds: “Gabriel Jesus has the qualities to take charge of Arsenal’s attack, especially when some key creators are missing. Expect him to be at the heart of Arsenal’s goalscoring efforts against a shaky Shakhtar defence.”

Jesus offers great value as a goalscorer in this matchup, and with Arsenal expected to dominate possession, his opportunities should come frequently.

Correct Score Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Shakhtar Donetsk

Considering the form of both sides and the disparity in quality, Arsenal winning 3-0 looks like a strong prediction. Shakhtar have offered little going forward in their Champions League games, with zero goals to show for their efforts so far. Arsenal, despite their injuries, should have more than enough to exploit Shakhtar’s defensive frailties and keep a clean sheet in the process.

Shakhtar have been leaking goals in Europe—conceding three against Atalanta—and with Arsenal’s ability to create chances, especially at home, it’s hard to see anything other than a comfortable win for the Gunners. Arsenal’s attack, featuring the likes of Havertz and Trossard, should find opportunities against a Shakhtar side that’s looked shaky in defence. Moreover, Shakhtar’s inability to pose a threat in the final third, with just 14 shots across two games, suggests they will struggle to break down Arsenal’s defensive lines.

The fact that Arsenal kept a clean sheet against Paris Saint-Germain in their last Champions League outing shows their capacity for defensive resilience when needed. If Shakhtar struggle to register shots on target again, as they have done previously, Arsenal could be looking at a routine victory. The Gunners’ defence may have been undone by ill-discipline against Bournemouth, but there’s every reason to expect a more professional performance on the European stage, especially with Saliba available.

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