- Recent form: Shakhtar Donetsk have won 4 of their last 5 matches, including wins at FC Kharkiv and FC Karpaty Lviv.
- Opposition form: PSV Eindhoven are unbeaten in 4 matches, but they face a Shakhtar side who have won 3 of their last 3 away.
Shakhtar can steal one in Eindhoven
Tactical matchup
The last meeting between PSV and Shakhtar in the UEFA Champions League 2024/2025 ended 3-2 to PSV and that result gives an insight into what we can expect on Thursday night. In a similar vein to that encounter, the styles of these two sides will clash in a way that should see the ball in the net at both ends.
Peter Bosz has had his PSV side playing a possession-based game where they press high and get their full-backs to come inside, meaning they will look to swamp Shakhtar high up the pitch, while the Ukrainian side will look to absorb pressure and hit fast once the ball turns over. It's a recipe for a lively game.
Form and odds
PSV are in fine form, winning 4 and drawing 1 of their last 5 games, but they have failed to win 5 of their 7 home games in all competitions this season (W2, D3, L2). Their games have been full of goals, however, with them averaging 2.71 goals per game scored and 2.43 goals per game conceded, so it's a solid bet to back the over 2.5 goals option here at 1.45.
Shakhtar are in similarly good form, but they have a ruthless edge that has seen them win 8 of their last 10 in all competitions. They have won 4 of their 5 away matches in all competitions, so they're a good value option to get the job done at 6.4.
Stick with the visitors
Form and threats
Shakhtar have won 8 of their last 10 in all competitions, while PSV have only won 5 of their last 10 in all competitions (D3, L2). The Ukrainian outfit have won 4 of their 5 competitive away matches this season and look capable of nicking it here.
Back both teams to find the net and a few goals to be scored in what should be an entertaining game.
- PSV have scored 12 goals in their last 3 competitive games – 5-1 vs FC Groningen, 6-1 vs FC Utrecht and 3-1 at Ajax.
- They have the firepower to get on the board, but Kaua Elias could be the danger man for the visitors after bagging 3 goals in his last 5 games for Shakhtar.
- Shakhtar average 1.80 goals per away game in all competitions, and that's a big number when they play on the road.
