PSV v Shakhtar Donetsk

With just a single point separating PSV Eindhoven and Shakhtar Donetsk in the group standings, this midweek clash promises to be pivotal for both sides’ ambitions of progressing in Europe.

With both teams in fine domestic form and boasting considerable attacking prowess, fans can expect a dynamic and action-packed encounter on Wednesday night.

⭐ PSV v Shakhtar Donetsk Best Bets

PSV enters their first-ever head-to-head with Shakhtar Donetsk as firm favourites. Despite historically struggling against Ukrainian opposition – losing three of their last four matches (W 1) – their current form, especially at home, tilts the odds heavily in their favour.

The Dutch champions are unbeaten in their last 12 European home games (W7, D5), their most dominant stretch since a 22-match unbeaten run between 2009 and 2012.

Shakhtar, while enjoying a five-match winning streak, have struggled to replicate that success in European competition. Their lack of offensive output has been glaring, with just two shots on target across their first three group-stage games.

The picture becomes even bleaker on the road: Shakhtar has won only two of their last 14 European away matches (D2, L10). Their previous visits to the Netherlands have been similarly discouraging, including a 7-1 drubbing by Feyenoord in March 2023.

With PSV’s clinical domestic form, unparalleled home advantage, and Shakhtar’s European frailties, a victory for the Dutch side seems almost inevitable.

👕 PSV v Shakhtar Donetsk Predicted XI

🔍 PSV v Shakhtar Donetsk Players to Watch

🔴 Ricardo Pepi

Ricardo Pepi has been a burgeoning force for PSV. Though his appearances have been somewhat sporadic, the young American striker has made a strong impact when given the opportunity.

Across his last three starts – spanning PSV’s last five matches – Pepi has managed an impressive 17 shots on goal, 10 of which were on target. With indications that he may feature prominently on Wednesday, his involvement in PSV’s attack makes at least one shot on target a highly probable outcome.

PSV v Shakhtar Donetsk

Wednesday 20:00

Ricardo Pepi to have 1+ Shots on Target

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📂 PSV v Shakhtar Donetsk Cheat Sheet

The Champions League continues to heat up in gameweek five and our Football Betting Predictions are crafted to help you in your picks across all the action.

As well as coverage from this match, be sure to check out our Liverpool v Real Madrid Betting Preview and Liverpool v Real Madrid Bet Builder Predictions too.

Check out our Wednesday Champions League Accumulator Tips and Champions League Bet Builder Tips, as well as our selection of Both Teams To Score Tips, along with player prop market predictions to fold into bet builders, like our Player Shots on Target Tips, Fouls Betting Tips, and Anytime Goalscorer Tips.

💻 PSV v Shakhtar Donetsk Form and Tactics

PSV’s domestic campaign has been nothing short of dominant. Winning 12 of their 13 Eredivisie games, they appear poised to retain their league title. Their only blemish, a loss against Ajax, hasn’t disrupted their momentum, as evidenced by their current three-game winning streak.

In Europe, PSV’s prowess at the Philips Stadion is even more pronounced, with their unbeaten 12-match home run forming the backbone of their continental success. Under Peter Bosz, PSV employs a high-intensity 4-3-3 system. Their tactical framework relies on a high defensive line and central overloads, enabling their forwards to operate fluidly and often drop deeper to create space for wide attackers.

Shakhtar’s domestic form paints a picture of dominance, highlighted by their five-match winning streak and a league-leading average of 2.85 goals per game. Despite sitting third in the table, their attacking statistics affirm their title credentials.

However, their European campaign tells a different story. Early losses and a draw in their first three group-stage matches left them floundering, though a Matchday 4 victory over Young Boys has rekindled their qualification hopes. Still, Shakhtar’s inability to carry their domestic attacking form into Europe remains a concern, and their struggles in away fixtures only exacerbate the challenge they face in Eindhoven.

🏁 PSV v Shakhtar Donetsk Ref Watch

• Referee: Urs Schnyder (Switzerland)
• Schnyder awarded nine yellow cards in his only Champions League game this season.
• He has averaged an enormous eight yellow cards per game in two Nations League matches, despite only awarding 19 fouls per game.
• Schnyder also awarded two penalties in his only Champions League game so far this season.

Our guide on How To Use A Cheat Sheet is the perfect way to get involved with our Bet Builder Stats tool, the best freely available data source for punting on the Champions League.

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Also check out our list of Free Champions League Betting Offers, and expert guides including xG In Football, are also available to help you up your punting game.

* I recommend waiting for confirmed team line-ups before placing any bets.

* All odds displayed correct at the time of publishing.

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