Shakhtar Donetsk vs Brest Prediction - Champions League

It’s Champions League time once again as Shakhtar Donetsk face off against Brest on 22 January 2025 at the VELTINS-Arena. This match is crucial for both sides, with Shakhtar sitting in 27th with just 4 points and in desperate need of a victory to boost their standings, while Brest, currently 7th with 13 points, looks to solidify their position.

The weather forecast is overcast clouds with a chilly 3°C temperature, which will surely influence player performance. Both teams have shown a propensity to concede goals, making a low-scoring affair likely.

Brest, the bookmaker’s favourite, hopes to stay despite their injury woes, notably missing key players like Bradley Locko and Julien Le Cardinal. Shakhtar, meanwhile, are without the suspended Pedrinho, weakening their defence.

Our match tips suggest a goalless draw as a probable outcome, with the teams likely to cancel each other out in midfield, leading to minimal chances created. Expect a slow-paced match dominated by tactical play rather than high-scoring excitement.

Shakhtar Donetsk vs Brest Prediction & Betting Tip

Our recommended betting tip for this match is to bet on “Under 0.5 goals.” Here’s why this has been chosen:

• Both teams have a tendency to cancel each other out in the midfield, leading to minimal chances created overall.
• Shakhtar Donetsk have conceded the most goals within the 76-90 minute interval, indicating a possible late defensive lapse, but Brest have only managed 1 clean sheet in their last 5 games.
• The weather conditions are cold and overcast, which could further dampen attacking flair and reduce the likelihood of goals.

Shakhtar Donetsk vs Brest Odds

Here’s a look at the betting odds for the upcoming Champions League clash between Shakhtar Donetsk and Brest:

Brest are slight favourites according to the bookmakers, but the odds suggest a closely contested battle. Both teams have shown they can score, but they also have vulnerabilities, especially in defence.

Given the overcast weather conditions and both teams’ recent defensive performances, there may be value in exploring low-scoring bets or wagering on a draw.

With Brest’s decent run in their away games recently in the Champions League and Shakhtar’s struggles, the odds reflect a balanced and competitive match.

Shakhtar Donetsk Team Analysis

Shakhtar Donetsk’s recent form has been quite inconsistent, with just one win in their last five matches. They have shown a tendency to concede plenty of goals, averaging 2 goals conceded per game over the last six matches in this competition. Despite their struggles, they have managed to score, averaging 1.4 goals per game in their last five fixtures. However, a lack of clean sheets highlights their defensive frailties. Their last outing was a narrow 1-0 loss to Polissya Zhytomyr, reflecting their tough season.

Shakhtar Donetsk Key Players

Shakhtar Donetsk’s standout player this season is Oleksandr Zubkov, who has netted 2 goals in the competition. His attacking prowess will be crucial to Shakhtar’s chances of securing a positive result. Supporting Zubkov in the attack is Lassina Traore, a forward with a knack for finding space in crowded boxes. Georgiy Sudakov and Artem Bondarenko will be key in midfield, particularly in breaking up Brest’s play and initiating counter-attacks. Expected lineup for Shakhtar Donetsk:

• Goalkeeper: Dmytro Riznyk
• Defenders: Pedro Henrique, Mykola Matviyenko, Valeriy Bondar, Yukhym Konoplia
• Midfielders: Georgiy Sudakov, Artem Bondarenko, Dmytro Kryskiv
• Forwards: Lassina Traore, Kevin, Oleksandr Zubkov

Key battles will feature Zubkov against Brest’s better defensive unit and Sudakov’s midfield duel with Hugo Magnetti.

Shakhtar Donetsk Suspensions & Injuries

Shakhtar Donetsk head into their match against Brest without any reported injuries, giving their manager more flexibility in selections. However, they are dealing with a suspension, which could impact their defensive setup:

The absence of Pedrinho, who is known for his defensive contributions, could leave the team vulnerable, especially given their recent defensive struggles. Shakhtar will need to rely on their depth to cover his absence and maintain stability at the back. With a crucial encounter against Borussia Dortmund on the horizon, maintaining player fitness and addressing disciplinary issues will be key for Shakhtar’s ambitions this season.

Shakhtar Donetsk Tactics and Formation

Shakhtar Donetsk Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Oleksandr Zubkov
• Midfield Trio: Georgiy Sudakov, Artem Bondarenko, Dmytro Kryskiv
• Defensive Strength: Despite conceding goals frequently, they aim for a balanced defence.
• Notable Strategy: They tend to concede most goals during the 76-90 minutes, indicating a drop in concentration late in games. They will need to address this vulnerability against a high-scoring Brest side.

Shakhtar will also miss Pedrinho’s defensive contributions due to suspension, which will require adjustments to maintain solidity. Expect Shakhtar to leverage their midfield creativity to control the game while aiming for a disciplined defensive approach.

Brest Team Analysis

Brest has been on a better run recently, displaying consistent form in their last five outings:

Their performance has truly shone, averaging 1.4 goals per match and achieving one clean sheet in their last five games. This solid form has propelled them to 7th place in the standings, with Brest looking to maintain their impressive run against Shakhtar Donetsk.

Brest Key Players

Brest have a few standout players who could make a significant impact against Shakhtar Donetsk, with Abdallah Sima leading the charge as their top scorer, netting 3 goals so far. His finishing ability will be crucial in breaking down Shakhtar’s defense.
Defenders like Kenny Lala and Brendan Chardonnet will be pivotal in keeping Shakhtar’s attackers at bay, especially against their leading scorer Oleksandr Zubkov.
Midfielder Kamory Doumbia, known for his playmaking skills, will be expected to control the game’s tempo.
Expected lineup for Brest:

• Goalkeeper: Marco Bizot
• Defenders: Kenny Lala, Brendan Chardonnet, Abdoulaye N’Diaye, Luck Zogbe
• Midfielders: Mahdi Camara, Hugo Magnetti, Kamory Doumbia, Edimilson Fernandes
• Forwards: Ludovic Ajorque, Mama Balde

Brest Suspensions & Injuries

Brest are dealing with a handful of injuries that could impact their performance against Shakhtar Donetsk. Here’s a rundown of their current injury list:

Brest’s injury woes could see them field a slightly weakened lineup. The absence of key players like Bradley Locko and several others might affect their defensive stability and midfield creativity, making it crucial for their remaining fit squad members to step up their game.

Brest Tactics and Formation

Brest’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Ludovic Ajorque
• Midfield Trio: Mahdi Camara, Hugo Magnetti, Kamory Doumbia
• Defensive Strength: One clean sheet in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Strong attack during the 61-75-minute interval.

With their typical 4-3-3 formation, Brest aims to overwhelm their opponents with coordinated attacks from both flanks and a solid midfield presence. Ludovic Ajorque, leading the front line, is assisted by creative midfielders Camara, Magnetti, and Doumbia, who form a versatile unit capable of both defending and launching counter-attacks. Despite dealing with injuries, Brest’s strategy will likely focus on maintaining possession and exploiting Shakhtar Donetsk’s tendency to concede late goals.