Royal Antwerp vs Shakhtar Donetsk Prediction & Betting Tips - Champions League

Prediction published on 02/10/2023, 14:21  by Kennedy Kechula in Champions League Predictions

Royal Antwerp will hope to record their first-ever Champions League group stage victory when they host Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday. The two teams were defeated on matchday one in Group H with Shaktar in third edging Antwerp in fourth by goal difference. Royal Antwerp are making their Champions League debut. Mark van Bommel’s men were welcomed to the group stage proper by a baptism of fire. The Belgian champions were humbled 5-0 by Barcelona on matchday one. They will now seek to respond with a win and their home form will have them confident of doing so. The Old Lady haven’t lost at home in 10 matches and have won seven times including in the playoff round. Antwerp have however struggled in recent outings and haven’t won in four games. A lack of goals has precipitated this run. The hosts haven’t found the back of the net in their last four games. They drew 0-0 for the third time in a row away to Mechelen last time out.

Shakhtar Donetsk are also struggling. They have won only once in their last four matches with another two ending in defeat. Patrick van Leeuwen’s men were defeated 3-1 at home by Porto in round one. Due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Shakhtar will play their European home matches in Germany. The Miners were defeated 2-1 at home by Vorskla over the weekend to see their hold on top spot in the league loosened. Shakhtar have recently found it hard playing away in the Champions League. They have managed only one win in their last six away trips and have lost four times.