Shakhtar Donetsk vs Porto Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 UEFA Champions League | Group Stage
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THE FACTS
When is Shakhtar Donetsk vs Porto on and what time does it start? Shakhtar Donetsk vs Porto will take place on Tuesday 19th September, 2023 – 20:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Shakhtar Donetsk vs Porto? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What channel is Shakhtar Donetsk vs Porto on in the UK? Shakhtar Donetsk vs Porto will be televised live on TNT Sports in the UK
Where can I stream Shakhtar Donetsk vs Porto in the UK? Shakhtar Donetsk vs Porto can be streamed live on the discovery+
THE LOWDOWN
SHAKHTAR DONETSK
Patrick van Leeuwen will hope to lead Shakhtar Donetsk into the knockout rounds of the Champions League for the first time since the 2017-18 season, with the Ukrainian side having suffered five straight group stage eliminations.
The reigning Ukrainian champions are top of the table domestically at present having gone unbeaten in their first seven games of the season, and the Shakhtar faithful will be hopeful of a result here with this being a key game in their prospects of reaching the round of 16.
PORTO
The Porto fans have become accustomed to reaching the knockout rounds of the Champions League with the Portuguese side having successfully navigated the group stage in five of the past six seasons, and they will view Shakhtar as their main rival for second spot, assuming Barcelona top Group H.
Porto have also made a strong start to their domestic campaign with 13 points collected from a possible 15, although their season side began in disappointing fashion with a defeat to great rivals Benfica in the Portuguese Super Cup.
THE TEAM NEWS
SHAKHTAR DONETSK
Mykola Matvienko and Valeriy Bondar will definitely miss out through injury, while Lassine Traore is a major doubt for the visit of Porto.
Goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk missed Saturday's Primeira Liga fixture due to a personal bereavement, with Artur Rudko filling in, but the former is expected to return between the sticks for Tuesday's encounter.
PREDICTED XI (4-5-1): Riznyk; Konoplya, Rakitskyy, Lemkin, Azarov; Stepanenko, Kashchuk, Kryskiv, Sudakov, Zubkov; Sikan
UNAVAILABLE: Matviyenko (Injured), Bondar (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Traore (Injured)
PORTO
Pepe (the winger, not the defender) is suspended due to his sending off against Inter Milan in last season's round of 16, but his namesake in central defence will be one of the first names on the team sheet given his vast experience at this level.
Ivan Marcano and Evanilson occupy the injury room and will take no part in this group stage opener.
PREDICTED XI (4-4-2): Diogo Costa; João Mário, Pepe, Fábio Cardoso, Wendell; Jaime, Eustaquio, Nico González, Galeno; Taremi, Fran Navarro
UNAVAILABLE: Pepê (Suspended), Marcano (Injured), Evanilson (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
Even though this is the first round of fixtures in this season's Champions League, this could be a key game for both sides when it comes to the qualification picture at the end of the group stage. Porto are undoubtedly the favourites but Shakhtar will be no pushovers. The visitors have conceded in all but one of their competitive games this season, so although they are favoured for the victory here, don't be surprised to see the hosts score in the process.
TIP: PORTO TO WIN & BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE
