Shakhtar Donetsk – Manchester City SOCCER PICKS
Shakhtar Donetsk and Manchester City meet at Oblasny SportKomplex Metalist, in a match for this phase of the UEFA Champions League (Group Stage). In the last 3 years there is only record of 2 direct confrontations between these two teams: one at 06-12-2017, which ended in a victory of Shakhtar Donetsk by (2-1), and another one more on 26-09-2017 , which ended in a Manchester City win by (2-0). The Manchester City presents considerable differences in their results at home and as a visitor, so that in this game the home factor may be decisive.
Shakhtar Donetsk:
The home team comes to this 3rd round of Group F in the 3rd position, with 2 points won, after 2 draws. In their first match in this group stage they tied at home against Hoffenheim, by (2-2). In the 2nd round, they drew level against Olympique Lyonnais by (2-2). This is a team that usually maintains its competitive level in home and away matches, since in the last 30 matches they register 10 wins, 3 draws and 2 losses in away matches; against 11 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses at their stadium. The team comes to this match after a home win against Desna by (1-0). In the last 10 home matches Shakhtar Donetsk has won 7, tied 2 and lost 1. Their offense has scored frequently, since they have scored at least one goal in each of the last 10 matches. In 15 matches, they suffered the first goal 4 times and only managed 1 comeback.
Shakhtar Donetsk enter this motivated match, after a home win, 1-0, at the reception to Desna. In the final match for the Champions League, the Ukrainians drew 2-2 on the grounds of Olympique Lyon. The whole house usually acts in a traditional 4-3-3, favoring a faster game style, of constant transitions, attacking, preferably, by the lateral runners. To emphasize that, in this tactical drawing, the most advanced players are usually Fernando, Marlos and Junior Moraes. Out of this game due to injury will be Taison.
Manchester City:
The away team comes to Group 3 in the 2nd place, with 3 points won, after 1 win and 1 loss. In their first match in this group stage they lost at home against Olympique Lyonnais, by (1-2). In the 2nd round, they won out in front of Hoffenheim by (1-2). This is a team that usually gets better results in away matches than at home, since in the last 30 matches they register 12 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss in away matches, with 34 goals scored and 10 conceded; against 8 wins, 1 draw and 6 losses at their stadium, with 33 goals scored and 15 conceded. The team comes to this match after a home win against Burnley by (5-0). In the last 10 away matches Manchester City has won 8 and tied 2. Their offense has scored frequently, since they have scored goals in 9 of the last 10 matches. In 15 games, they suffered the first goal 4 times, but got the comeback in 2.
Manchester City enter this match after a home win by 5-0 at the reception at Burnley. On the last day of the Champions League, the English won at Hoffenheim, 1-2. The visiting team usually acts in a 4-3-3, favoring a paused style of play, possession of the ball, progressing on the ground, mainly, through the central corridor. The three arrows pointed to the rival’s goal will be Sané, Aguero and Mahrez, while Fernandinho, Bernardo Silva and David Silva are likely to play in the middle zone. For this game the coach can not count on Mangala, Bravo and Gundogan, all with physical problems.
