Bologna vs Shakhtar Donetsk Predictions

Bologna vs Shakhtar predictions, betting tips and match previews for their Champions League clash. Bologna return to the Champions League after 60 years, hosting Shakhtar Donetsk at Stadio Dall’Ara on Wednesday to kick off their campaign. Read on for our free predictions and betting tips.

Champions League | League Stage | Sep 18, 2024 at 5:45pm UK at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara

Bologna vs Shakhtar Donetsk Predictions

Will Shakhtar’s European Experience Prove Too Much for Bologna in Champions League Return?

• Shakhtar’s Prolific Attack
  • Shakhtar have scored an impressive 15 goals in their six Ukrainian Premier League matches this season, averaging 2.5 goals per game. This attacking potency has been key to their success, with Danylo Sikan and Artem Bondarenko leading the charge in front of goal.
• Bologna’s Defensive Woes
  • Bologna have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their matches this season, conceding an average of 1.8 goals per game. Their defensive frailties have been a major issue, particularly in their recent 2-2 draw against newly promoted Como, where they conceded twice in quick succession.
• Sikan’s Goal Threat
  • Shakhtar’s Danylo Sikan has been in fine form this season, scoring three goals in five matches. His ability to score in crucial moments, combined with his previous Champions League success, makes him a key player to watch against Bologna’s leaky defence.

Best Bet

Bologna’s return to the grand stage of the Champions League for the first time in sixty years sets up a fascinating clash against Shakhtar Donetsk at Stadio Dall’Ara. The Italians, who are embarking on their first appearance in UEFA’s premier competition since the 1960s, face a tough test from the Ukrainian champions. Shakhtar bring vast European experience to the table, while Bologna’s domestic struggles add an extra layer of complexity to this intriguing tie.

Shakhtar, under Croatian head coach Marino Pusic, have been a dominant force in Ukrainian football, and although they’ve shown some early inconsistency in their domestic campaign, they come into this match with confidence after a 5-2 victory over Karpaty Lviv. Bologna, by contrast, have not managed a win in their last four Serie A outings and will need a sharp improvement if they hope to take anything from this encounter. Both sides have shown defensive fragilities in recent weeks, suggesting that goals could well be on the menu when these two teams meet.

Given the current form and dynamics between the two teams, the standout bet for this encounter is Shakhtar Donetsk to win. Despite playing away from home and dealing with internal inconsistencies, Shakhtar possess the experience and firepower to overcome Bologna. They have won two of their last three away matches, and their attack, led by Danylo Sikan and supported by Georgiy Sudakov, has been particularly potent, scoring eight goals across their last two outings.

Shakhtar’s ability to score freely is bolstered by the fact that Bologna have struggled defensively, failing to keep a clean sheet in any of their Serie A matches this season. Bologna’s defensive woes were highlighted in their 2-2 draw with Serie A newcomers Como, a match in which they were forced to come from two goals down to salvage a point. With Shakhtar boasting an average of 2.5 goals per game in the Ukrainian Premier League this season, it’s hard to see how Bologna’s defence, which has conceded an average of 1.8 goals per game, can cope with the Ukrainian side’s attacking prowess.

Moreover, Shakhtar have a history of strong performances in Europe, particularly when facing less experienced sides. The tactical approach of Marino Pusic, combined with the creativity of Sudakov in midfield and the goal-scoring instincts of Sikan, makes them a formidable opponent for a Bologna side that is still trying to find its feet under Vincenzo Italiano.

Shakhtar’s ability to control possession and create chances through midfield, particularly through Sudakov, who was a standout performer in last season’s Champions League group stage, gives them an edge. Sudakov’s ability to find pockets of space and pick out decisive passes will likely cause problems for Bologna’s relatively inexperienced defence, especially if they continue to leak goals as they have in recent fixtures.

BettingTips4You.com expert Luca Pratesi echoes this sentiment, stating: “While Shakhtar’s defence has been vulnerable at times, their attacking quality should be enough to overcome a Bologna side still finding their rhythm. Backing Shakhtar to win is a solid option, given their recent goal-scoring form and Bologna’s defensive struggles.”

Additional Prediction

For those looking to back a player in this match, Danylo Sikan to score anytime stands out as a strong option. The Ukrainian striker has found the net three times in his last five matches and has been a constant threat in Shakhtar’s attack. His movement in the box and ability to finish off chances make him a likely candidate to score against a Bologna defence that has shown vulnerability, particularly from crosses and through balls.

Sikan’s performance in the Champions League last season, where he scored four goals in six appearances, shows he is capable of delivering on the big stage. With Bologna likely to struggle to contain Shakhtar’s midfield creativity, Sikan should get enough chances to add to his tally. His knack for being in the right place at the right time, combined with Shakhtar’s attacking focus, makes him a smart pick for an anytime goalscorer bet.

Correct Score Prediction: Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 Bologna

Given the dynamics of the match, a 2-1 victory for Shakhtar Donetsk seems the most plausible outcome. While Shakhtar’s defence has been shaky at times, their attacking quality, led by Sikan and Sudakov, should be enough to outscore Bologna. The Italians, despite their lack of form, do have the potential to find the net, especially with players like Riccardo Orsolini and Santiago Castro capable of creating moments of magic.

Bologna’s attacking statistics show they average one goal per game, and they’ve managed to score in all but one of their matches this season. However, their defensive stats are less encouraging, having conceded seven goals in their four Serie A matches. With Shakhtar’s forward line in fine form, it’s difficult to see Bologna keeping them at bay for 90 minutes. That said, Bologna’s attacking potential, coupled with Shakhtar’s own defensive frailties, means the home side should at least get on the scoresheet.

Shakhtar’s away form in Europe has been inconsistent, but given Bologna’s inexperience and defensive weaknesses, the Ukrainian side should have enough to secure a narrow victory, likely by a 2-1 margin.

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