It’s matchday one in Group F of the Champions League (CL), where Shakhtar go head to head with Lyon. Manchester City are the big favourites in this group, so a good start is vital.
Though playing in Kharkiv, more than 300 kilometres north of their majestic Donbass Arena in Donetsk, Shakhtar may take heart from the fact they won all four home matches in last season’s CL, and have thirteen wins from their last fifteen home matches (all competitions).
Shakhtar are playing in their eighth CL group stage in the last nine years. They qualified on the back of their second domestic double in a row. The club has also progressed in three of its last five group stage appearances in this competition.
Hoffenheim are making their CL debut, after losing at the final CL qualification hurdle last season. In last season’s Europa League they crashed out of the group stage after taking just one point from three away matches.
They’ve lost their opening two away matches in the Bundesliga, continuing the trend from last season where (despite finishing third) they won just four times on the road (W4, D6, L7).
Players to watch: Júnior Moraes has started the season with seven goals from the first eight for Shakhtar.
Meanwhile, Ádám Szalai tops the scoring charts in Germany, with three goals from the first three rounds of Bundesliga action.
Meanwhile, Ádám Szalai tops the scoring charts in Germany, with three goals from the first three rounds of Bundesliga action.
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Stat attack: Shakhtar scored 2+ goals in all four CL home matches last season. That said, they also failed to keep a single clean sheet.
Both teams have also scored in all four of Hoffenheim’s matches this season.
Six of Shakhtar’s nine competitive matches this season have produced under 2.5 goals.
All or nothing! It’s been 35 competitive matches since Shakhtar last played a draw – Hoffenheim are on a run of nine matches without a stalemate as well.
Six of Shakhtar’s nine competitive matches this season have produced under 2.5 goals.
All or nothing! It’s been 35 competitive matches since Shakhtar last played a draw – Hoffenheim are on a run of nine matches without a stalemate as well.
Will not playDentinho
(Injury)
(Injury)
Amiri N.
(Toe Injury)
Ordets I.
(Red Card)
Belfodil I.
(Coach’s decision)
Wellington N.
(Injury)
Brenet J.
(Coach’s decision)
Demirbay K.
(Ankle Injury)
Geiger D.
(Thigh Injury)
Hubner B.
(Concussion)
Rupp L.
(Knee Injury)
Probably will not play
Kayode O.
(Injury)
Akpoguma K.
(Eye injury)
Bicakcic E.
(Muscle Injury)
Match Information
Referee: Kehlet J. (Den)
Venue: OSC Metalist (Kharkiv)
