Attacking mentality got Shakhtar Donetsk to the Conference League semifinals last season. PSV's games are full of goals this season, so I expect an entertaining contest on Thursday.
Key Stats
- PSV have seen BTTS & over 2.5 goals in their last 5 matches.
- PSV have seen over 3.5 goals in 9 of their last 10 matches.
- PSV beat Shakhtar Donetsk 3-2 in their last h2h match.
- PSV’s Ricardo Pepi has scored 3 goals in his last 4 matches.
- Shakhtar Donetsk have seen BTTS & over 2.5 goals in their last 3 matches (European competitions).
One Previous Meeting
These two sides clashed just once so far in the Champions League main stage in late 2024.
Red-Hot PSV
Start of the new campaign was rough for PSV, losing the Super Cup convincingly to AZ Alkmaar 4-0, then being held to a 2-2 draw by Fortuna Sittard in the Eredivisie opener.
The Lightbulbs stepped up since and claimed three straight league victories over Excelsior 2-1, Groningen 5-1 and Utrecht 6-1.
Peter Bosz's side extended this winning run last weekend in Amsterdam, winning the derby clash against Ajax 3-1. PSV had 2.49-1.86 xG here, Ricardo Pepi, Lutsharel Geertruida and Esmir Bajraktarevic finding the net.
Shakhtar are Back to the UCL Main Stage After One-Year Pause
Shakhtar Donetsk were unchallenged in Ukrainian Premier League last season, winning 22 out of 30 matches to finish 12 points ahead of 2nd placed LNZ Cherkasy.
The Miners are looking strong in the new season as well, winning four out of five matches while scoring exactly two goals per encounter.
Last weekend, Shakhtar defeated 3rd placed Karpaty Lviv 2-1 on the road. After conceding early, Luca Meirelles found an equalizer in the 25th minute, while Alisson secured the points with his goal in the 67th minute.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
PSV (4-2-3-1) Matej Kovar; Sergino Dest, Lutsharel Geertruida, Armando Obispo, Filip Kostic; Kaishu Sano, Ignacio Fernandez; Ivan Perisic, Guus Til, Ruben van Bommel; Ricardo Pepi
PSV face a demanding selection situation with Alassane Plea, Jerdy Schouten, Sam Ouaissa, Kiliann Sildillia, and Dennis Man sidelined through injury while Mauro Junior serves a suspension.
PSV face a demanding selection situation with Alassane Plea, Jerdy Schouten, Sam Ouaissa, Kiliann Sildillia, and Dennis Man sidelined through injury while Mauro Junior serves a suspension.
Shakhtar Donetsk (4-3-3) Dmytro Riznyk; Oleksandr Karavaev, Valeriy Bondar, Mykola Matvienko, Pedro Henrique; Oleh Ocheretko, Yehor Nazaryna, Marlon Gomes; Alisson, Kaua Elias, Newerton
Kiril Fesyun, Pedrinho, Marlon, and Eguinaldo are ruled out for the visitors due to injuries, but all four are expected to be back by the end of September.
Kiril Fesyun, Pedrinho, Marlon, and Eguinaldo are ruled out for the visitors due to injuries, but all four are expected to be back by the end of September.