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Shakhtar Donetsk plays host to Athletic Bilbao in this Champions League clash, but Shakhtar will have to play in Lvov again because of the situation in Ukraine.
It is surprising for me that Shakhtar is doing so well in the Champions League … this is the worst situation for them in years (lost players, can`t play in Donetsk, morale not so good) and they have one of the best campaigns they ever had in the competition. Second place, 2 points behind Porto, will get qualified with a draw today. But a win will keep them in the race for third place so they will go for that, they can’t even play for a draw in UCL with their offensive style. Last two matches iN UCL, both vs. BATE, were won 5-0 and 7-0! In Ukraine they are not doing so good … 3rd place … but still in the hunt for the title and anyway league is not really a priority, specially this year. Krivtsov out for Shakhtar, Azevedo questionable.
Bet on Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Athletic Bilbao with the best Champions League odds at Unibet.
What an anticlimatic campaign Athletico had … after great season last year, not losing many players and with the new San Mames built expectations were sky high. Result: 1 point and already eliminated in the Champions League (super lucky 0-0 home draw vs. Shakhtar), 9th place in Primera … even lost to BATE Borisov. Good news is that they won 3-1 vs Espanyol in the weekend and that they do not miss many key players, only Aduriz questionable but he should play. Susaeta may be rested to avoid a yellor card for the last match of the group (crucial, vs. BATE). Athletic needs at least a draw to stay in the race for the 3rd place (or a win depending on what BATE does vs. Porto).
With Shakhtar boosting some amazing goalscoring records and Athletic Bilbao not having so much to lose I see goals today. For Bilbao a loss or a draw would be the same (unless BATE beats Porto … unlikely) so they will go offensive for sure, their usual style … trying to snatch a win and almost assure the third place. Shalkhtar also has no reason to stay passive – ok they get qualified with a draw but are 99% qualified anyway. So two great attacking teams who will try to win, not having the pressure of not affording to lose … my tip will be over 2,5 goals (and probably Shakhtar win to go with it). Bernard from Shakhtar said his team is eager to start strong and get an early goal. Correct score prediction: Shakhtar Donetsk – Athletic Bilbao 3-1.
Pick: over 2,5 goals
Odds: 2.10 @ Unibet
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 8.80
Event date: 25 November
