After an emotional win over Dynamo Kyiv in the Ukrainian Premier League, Shakhtar Donetsk return to European competition to face Breiðablik. The hosts are 17th in the overall-stage standings with three points and must win to improve their position in the group.
Shakhtar Donetsk have shown quality football in recent matches: the win over Dynamo Kyiv (3:1) with 3.24 xG to the opponent’s 1.18 is Shakhtar Donetsk’s best figure in the last two months. In Europe, the Ukrainians started with a comeback win over Aberdeen (3:2), then lost to Legia Warsaw (1:2) despite a shots advantage (15:8). At home (nominally in Poland), they have avoided defeat in seven of their last nine European matches.
Breiðablik finished their domestic season in fourth place and have been almost a month without official matches. In Europe they have been underwhelming: a defeat to Lausanne-Sport (0:3) followed by a drab draw with KuPS (0:0). Their average expected goals is only 0.64 xG per match, reflecting limited attacking potential. Away from home in European competitions, the Icelandic club have lost eight of their last ten games.
The difference in quality and form is evident. Shakhtar Donetsk play at a high tempo, make active use of the flanks and set pieces, where Breiðablik are traditionally weak. Given the form of Shakhtar Donetsk’s key players and the visitors’ lengthy break from competitive action, the home side should dominate from the start and achieve a comprehensive win.
