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Shakhtar Donetsk will try to protect a 2-1 advantage when the Ukrainians take on Sporting Braga in the Europa League quarterfinals second leg.
Today’s hosts were a little lucky to leave Portugal with such a good result, as Braga was the team that had more chances to score in that game. However, the Ukrainians showed their superior experience and with a bit of fortune are now in an excellent position to qualify. Shakhtar is coming after a very disappointing 3-3 draw against Stal in the Premier League, a result which put a huge dent in their title chances. Defense continues to be the Achilles heel for the hosts, as they allowed at least a goal in the last 4 matches and in 7 of the last 9.
Braga had an incredible run of 24 matches in which they suffered a single defeat from December to early March, but the visitors have been a bit more inconsistent lately. Braga has 1 draw and 2 losses in the last 3 games and they are coming after a 1-1 home draw against Moreirense, equalizing in the 95th minute. On the bright side, the visitors can draw confidence from their performance in the first leg. They have the firepower to score goals, so they are not yet out of the competition.
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Team news & lineups:
Shakhtar will miss Rakitskiy, Fred and Azevedo. Shevchuk is doubtful. Braga won’t have Pedro Santos, Baiano and Rui Fonte in the lineup, while Alan is questionable.
Shakhtar Donetsk: Pyatov – Srna, Ordets, Kucher, Ismaily – Malyshev, Stepanenko – Marlos, Kovalenko, Taison – Eduardo
Sporting Braga: Magalhaes – Goiano, Ferreira, Boly, Djavan – Josue, Carlos, Vukcevic, Rafa – Hassan, Stojiljkovic
Both teams are very capable up front, score a lot of goals, but are also leaky at the back and Shakhtar will have extra problems there without their best center back, Rakitskiy. The first leg was very entertaining, both teams having well over 10 shots at goal each. Braga needs at least 2 goals today, so it will surely be an open game.
Circumstances clearly indicate there will be a lot of goalscoring chances here, so a bet on goals definitely makes sense. I can see Braga scoring, they need it, they have the weapons to do it and Shakhtar’s defense can’t be trusted. On the other hand, the Ukrainians should also be able to find the net at home. My tip is both teams to score and odds are dropping fast on this pick. Prediction: Shakhtar Donetsk – Sporting Braga 2-2.
Pick: Both to score
Odds: 1.87 @ Bwin
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 6.96
Event date: 14 April
