Porto vs Shakhtar Donetsk predictions for Wednesday’s Champions League affair. Porto, in second place, will face off against third-placed Shakhtar Donetsk, with a place in the last 16 at stake. Who will get the crucial three points? Read on for our free betting tips and predictions.
Match Live Wednesday, 13th December at 8:00 pm In:
FC Porto vs Shakhtar Donetsk Predictions
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Decisive Duel at Dragao: Porto’s Poise vs Shakhtar’s Surge
Key Stats
– Both teams have scored in four of Porto’s last six games.
– Shakhtar Donetsk has never beaten Porto in seven previous attempts.
In what promises to be a thrilling climax to Champions League Group H, FC Porto welcomes Shakhtar Donetsk to the Estadio do Dragao. With both teams tied on nine points, this fixture is more than a game; it’s a decisive battle for a coveted spot in the last 16. Porto, holding a slender advantage due to their earlier triumph against Shakhtar, needs only to avoid defeat. However, for Shakhtar, it’s a do-or-die situation – only a victory can secure their progression.
Our Suggested Best Value Bet For This Match
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Best Value Bet Rationale
Eustaquio’s performances this season have been noteworthy, earning an average rating of 7.42. His attacking contributions have been particularly impressive, with an average of 1.2 shots per game and 0.3 of those on target. This statistic becomes even more significant considering Porto’s offensive style, especially in crucial home games where they tend to dominate possession and create numerous scoring opportunities.
Given the high stakes of the game, with Porto needing just a draw to advance, and Shakhtar Donetsk compelled to attack to secure a win, the match is expected to be open and attacking. This scenario favours midfielders like Eustaquio, who are likely to find themselves in positions to shoot at goal. His ability to break into the box and take shots from distance adds to the likelihood of him achieving at least one shot on target.
Moreover, Eustaquio’s recent form, highlighted by a standout performance and a rating of 8.9 against Casa Pia, indicates his growing confidence and influence in Porto’s gameplay. Considering these factors, the boosted odds for Eustaquio to have over 0.5 shots on target offer a valuable bet, capitalizing on his current form, the game’s likely dynamics, and his crucial role in Porto’s midfield.
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Porto: A Blend of Experience and Resilience
Sergio Conceicao’s Porto has been a symbol of consistency in European football. Their impressive record of reaching the knockout stages in recent years speaks volumes of their resilience. The team’s tactical flexibility, combined with the experience of players like Pepe, adds a layer of solidity. However, the Dragons have shown some vulnerability in defence, which Shakhtar could exploit.
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Shakhtar’s Uphill Task: Breaking the Jinx
Shakhtar Donetsk, under Marino Pusic, has shown glimpses of brilliance this season, including a commendable victory over Barcelona. However, their historical inability to overcome Porto could play on their minds. The key for Shakhtar lies in their attacking prowess, led by the young and talented Georgiy Sudakov, whose performances have caught the eye of top European clubs.
Key Battles and Tactical Nuances
This match is likely to be decided in the midfield, where Porto’s ability to control the game will be tested against Shakhtar’s urgent need to attack. Porto might leverage Shakhtar’s aggressive approach to their advantage, using counter-attacks to exploit any defensive gaps. The battle between Porto’s wingers, possibly Galeno and Mehdi Taremi, against Shakhtar’s full-backs could be decisive in swinging the game.
Improvement Suggestions and Managerial Analysis
Porto could improve by tightening their defensive coordination, particularly in set-piece situations. Conceicao’s experience and tactical acumen have been Porto’s strength, but he needs to ensure defensive solidity.
For Shakhtar, the emphasis should be on creating clear-cut chances without leaving themselves too exposed at the back. Pusic’s approach to this game will be crucial; he needs to strike a balance between attack and defence.
Final Thoughts: A Tactical Masterclass Awaits
This game is set to be a tactical chess match, with both managers having clear objectives. Porto’s consistency and Shakhtar’s desperation for a win make this a not-to-be-missed encounter.
Predictions and Analysis
- Match Result Prediction: Porto’s home advantage and Shakhtar’s need for a win set the stage for an open game. Porto, with their counter-attacking prowess, is likely to emerge victorious. A Porto win seems the most plausible outcome.
- Correct Score Prediction: Considering both teams’ attacking talents and Porto’s home strength, a 2-1 victory for Porto is a reasonable prediction.
- Goalscorer Prediction: Mehdi Taremi, Porto’s in-form striker, is a likely candidate to score, given his recent performances and Shakhtar’s pressing need to attack, which might leave spaces at the back.
- First Half Result: Porto, known for their solid starts, especially at home, might lead at half-time, exploiting Shakhtar’s urgency to score early.
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