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Shakhtar Donetsk was the better team for most of the first leg against Plzen, but the ukraineans had to settle for a 1-1 draw. They shouldn`t have been to disappointed with that result, as Plzen led 1-0 in the second half.
Shakhtar (currently in the winter break domestically) was knocked out of a balanced Champions League group with Manchester United, Leverkusen and Sociedad. The ukraineans were close to qualifying but in the end elimination was somewhat expected as they were in rebuilding mode after selling a couple of key players in the summer. However Shakhtar looks much better now: they finished 2013 in style (regaining the 1st place in the Ukrainean league), were in devastating form in the winter friendlies and played a great game in Plzen.
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The Czech domestic league just restarted over the weekend and Plzen continued its solid 2013 form, winning 2-1 on the road at Banik Ostrava. Viktoria did well to finish 3rd in the Champions League group ahead of CSKA Moscow, as the first two places were totally out of reach with Manchester City and Bayern Munchen a lock for the UCL Round 16. Plzen is the same resilient team as in last years, they have a poor roster for this level but they are well organized, determined, and have a very good chemistry.
Unlike other big clubs, Shakhtar is very motivated to do well in this competition, with the Europa League being a huge objective for all ukrainean teams, so there`s no question about focus here. The hosts will field the best available first 11 and will not underestimate the opponent.
Plzen is not a bad team at all but after seeing the first leg I have to go with Shakhtar to qualify in style here. The ukraineans should have won in the Czech Republic, where Plzen is so strong, so the reverse leg should be easier. Expect the hosts to dominate again and with the offensive quality at their disposal they should be able to get a few goals against a Plzen side that isn`t traditionally strong away from home in Europe. My tip is Shakhtar to cover the 1 goal handicap at fair odds. Prediction: Shakhtar Donetsk – Viktoria Plzen 3-0.
Pick: Shakhtar Donetsk (-1,5)
Odds: 2.06 @ Sbobet
Stake: 7
Possible profit: 7.42
Event date: 27 February
