Verdict: Shakhtar Donetsk win
Best Odds: 4/7
Bookmaker: Luckster
Two camps who will get their respective Europa Conference League adventures underway on Thursday night, Shakhtar will travel to Pittodrie when they meet Aberdeen.
Aberdeen
Starting with the hosts, enduring what has been a public nightmare since opening up the new campaign, Aberdeen have rightfully come under a tremendous amount of pressure. Last seen falling to consecutive 2-0 defeats against Motherwell and Dundee United, Jimmy Thelin’s side sit rock-bottom of the Premiership table and they have a major battle on their hands in the race to keep hold of their top-flight status. Watching their League Cup adventure come to an end on September 20th as they slumped to a 1-0 loss at home against Motherwell, Aberdeen have also registered just a single point from their first five Premiership showdowns. Likewise, gaining a reputation for their glaring attacking struggles, Thursday’s hosts have also drawn a blank in all of their last six consecutive outings across all formats.
Aberdeen Team News
Ahead of their Europa Conference League opener on Thursday night, Aberdeen have reported a clean bill of health and have no fresh injury concerns. Returning to Thelin’s squad last weekend, one-time Liverpool youngster Leighton Clarkson could feature here.
Completing a summer loan switch from Tottenham, Alfie Dorrington could be handed a full recall. Despite still waiting to open his Aberdeen account after arriving from Millwall, Kevin Nisbet should keep his spot leading the line.
Shakhtar Donetsk
As for the visitors, while Shakhtar might have been left frustrated last season as they eventually had to settle for a bronze medal finish among Ukraine’s elite, Arda Turan’s men have come roaring back this time around. Last seen extending on their recent purple patch as they cruised their way to a 4-0 victory away at Rukh Lviv, the one-time Barcelona star has seen his squad pick up 17 points from their first seven domestic appearances. Leading the chase at the top of the Premier League standings, the Miners have also gained a reputation for their dominant defensive displays. Including a 1-0 win against Zorya on September 22nd, Shakhtar have recorded a clean sheet in all of their last three consecutive outings. Likewise, Thursday’s guests have shipped just a single goal in over 500 minutes of action.
Shakhtar Donetsk Team News
While Brazilian youngster Alisson might have missed out away at Rukh Lviv last weekend, the big-money summer recruit could return to Turan’s travelling squad. Notching a domestic brace on Sunday, one-time Benfica starlet Pedrinho should play a leading role in the final third.
Once again attracting plenty of heavyweight European interest over the summer, 21-year-old Marlon Gomes will play a leading role in the final third. Now entering his ninth campaign in Krakow, Ukrainian international Mykola Matviienko will start at the heart of Turan’s defence.
Aberdeen vs Shakhtar Donetsk Key Factors to Consider
- Thursday’s showdown at Pittodrie will be the first meeting between Aberdeen and Shakhtar Donetsk.
- Shakhtar are unbeaten in all of their previous eight appearances across all competitions (six wins, two draws).
- Aberdeen have collected just a single point from any of their first five Premiership appearances.
- Thursday’s hosts have also drawn a blank in all of their last six consecutive outings across all formats.
- Shakhtar have shipped just a single goal in over 500 minutes of action.
Conclusion
Two camps who certainly find the moods in their respective camps at a polar opposite, Shakhtar should be relishing a trip to Pittodrie on Thursday night. Flying out of the traps since opening up the new campaign, the Ukrainian giants have also gained a fearsome reputation for their defensive steel. Shipping just a single strike in over 500 minutes of action, they will also meet an Aberdeen squad who have shown some glaring attacking issues. With the Dons drawing a blank in all of their previous six consecutive appearances, chances could come at a premium here.
Verdict: Shakhtar Donetsk win
Best Odds: 4/7
Bookmaker: Luckster
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