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Both these sides began their respective league phase campaigns with scoreless draws and will each be looking for their first victory in this one.
KICK-OFF DATE/TIME: Wednesday October 2nd 2024: UK – 5:45pm / US ET – 3:00pm / US PT – 12:00pm
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: UK – TNT Sports 3/ US – CBS Sports
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: UK – discovery+ / US – Paramount+
SHAKHTAR DONETSK PREVIEW: ITALIAN JOB CONTINUES AFTER HARD-FOUGHT POINT IN BOLOGNA
Shakhtar Donetsk had to withstand substantial pressure from Bologna in their last league phase encounter, facing 17 shots in total. However, only four of those were on target in a solid defensive performance from the Ukrainians, who fully deserved their point and may well have got three had they converted a penalty early on. The likes of Matviyenko and Bondar were excellent at the back, shutting out the Serie A side.
What Shakhtar need to focus on now is improving their output going forward, having registered just one shot on target in Bologna, their penalty. With their opponents here being another Italian team, head coach Marino Pusic will need to devise a plan to find a way past them.
ATALANTA PREVIEW: PENALTY MISS DENIES LA DEA BIG SCALP
Atalanta were dealt a tough hand first up, taking in Arsenal in Bergamo. But they more than held their own and you could argue that it was them who should’ve taken three points in the end. A pivotal moment came in the second half when La Dea were awarded a penalty. But Mateo Retegui’s spot kick was saved by Arsenal keeper David Raya, who then brilliantly denied Retegui again from the rebound.
For Atalanta to become the first team this season to shut out the Gunners warrants substantial praise and the Europa League champions will be in an excellent position in the league phase if they can gain three points from this match.
SHAKHTAR DONETSK TEAM NEWS: SIKAN ONLY CONFIRMED ABSENTEE
The hosts are without centre-forward Danylo Sikan, who has a nose injury. After being on the bench this past weekend, Oleksandr Zubkov could come back into the starting line-up, whilst Eguinaldo and Traore are fighting for a place up top.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Riznyk; Konoplia, Bondar, Matviyenko, Henrique; Bondarenko, Kryskiv, Sudakov; Zubkov, Eguinaldo, Newerton
UNAVAILABLE: Sikan (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
ATALANTA TEAM NEWS: LOOKMAN AND DE KETELAERE FLANKING RETEGUI
Atalanta are expected to deploy a 3-4-3 system with Ademola Lookman and Charles De Ketelaere either side of Retegui, who has huge point to prove in this match. Rafael Toloi misses out with a thigh injury.
PREDICTED XI (3-4-3): Carnesecchi; Djimsiti, Kossounou, Kolasinac; Zappacosta, De Roon, Ederson, Ruggeri; De Ketelaere, Retegui, Lookman
UNAVAILABLE: Toloi (Injured), Hien (Injured), Brescianini (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
KEY STATS
SHAKHTAR DONETSK VS ATALANTA PREDICTION
Atalanta may have failed to get on the scoresheet vs Arsenal, but the Italians are usually known for their attacking potency under Gian Piero Gasperini. Therefore, it would be no surprise to see them bounce back strongly from an offensive perspective and consistently test the opposition backline, especially with more space likely to be afforded to them being away from home. However, despite Shakhtar Donetsk’s poor recent record against Italian teams in the Champions League, they are a well-drilled, streetwise outfit who are notoriously difficult to beat. Backing them to come out of this game with a point may well prove a shrewd play.
SHAKHTAR DONETSK VS ATALANTA TIP: DRAW