Shakhtar Donetsk met expectations and won the first leg against Genk 2-1. Nevertheless, they suffered more than expected as they had to overcome a one-goal deficit during the second half. Now, the Ukrainian side returns home to finish the job on Tuesday. The winner will be one step closer to the UEFA Champions League Group Stage.
Let’s take a look at the latest news, stats, injury reports and the UCL Odds for Shakhtar vs Genk. We’ve plenty of predictions for you to consider!
Game: Shakhtar Donetsk vs Genk
Location: Olympic Stadium, Kyiv, Ukraine
Time: Tuesday, 1:30 p.m. ET
Television: beIN Sports
Live Stream: fuboTV
Champions League Qualification Betting Lines
| Team | Handicap | Moneyline | Over/Under | Team Total |
| Shakhtar Donetsk | -½ -135 | -135 | 3 -115o | |
| Genk | +½ +105 | +335 | 3 -115u | |
| Draw | +295 |
Head to Head
- Previous Matches: 1
- Shakhtar Donetsk Victories: 1 (2 goals)
- Genk Victories: 0 (1 goal)
- Draws: 0
Last week’s meeting was their first. Shakhtar Donetsk won on goals by Tete and Alan Patrick. Paul Onuachu scored for Genk.
That was Genk’s third match against a team from Ukraine. Previously, they faced Dynamo Kyiv twice and won both games with a 4-1 aggregate. For Shakhtar it was their 13th game against a Belgium side. They own a 7-5-1 record with 29 goals for and 13 against.
Why Bet on Shakhtar Donetsk?
Shakhtar Donetsk are used to play in the UEFA Champions League Group Stage. They’ve done it for the last four seasons and they qualified to the Round of 16 in 2017-18. Having more experience is one of the reasons for them to come in as the sports betting favorites.
“We shouldn’t think that we won 2-1 in Belgium, we should focus on delivering a great performance. Tomorrow’s clash will start 0-0. The guys should play the way they can. After each victory, you must immediately forget it and at the same second start thinking about the next match,” said manager Roberto De Zerbi to the press.
Shakhtar have been in competition mode for several weeks now. They’ve played three games in the Ukrainian Super League and they’re 2-0-1 with six goals for and three against. Lassina Traore leads the team in scoring with two goals.
With 13 Brazilian players on the team, Shakhtar is used to being an offensive team. Defensively, they’ve to be very careful with the counter-attack.
Manor Solomon and Junior Moraes are out due to injury, while Ismaily Goncalves is questionable. Their expected lineup is Anatoli Trubin; Dodo, Marlon, Vitao, Mykola Matviyenko; Marcos Antonio, Pedrinho, Maycon, Mateus Martins, Dentinho; Lassina Traore.
Why Bet on Genk?
Last season, Genk played in the UEFA Champions League Group Stage. They finished 0-5-1, scored five goals and allowed 20. Despite that bad experience, they’re eager to return. After all, playing the Group Stage represents a lot of money.
They also have played three games in their domestic league. They’re 1-1-1 with six goals for and six against. Most recently, they defeated KV Kortrijk 2-1 on the road. That proves they can put up a fight away from home.
Theo Bongonda has had a great start of the season with three goals, enough to lead the team. Mike Tresor leads the team in assists with four and is followed by Cyriel Dessers with two. We’re talking about a team in which selfishness doesn’t exist.
Tresor is one of the reinforcements for this season. Genk also signed Mujaid Sadick, Simen Juklerod and Carel Eiting. Eiting comes from playing ib the Champions League with Ajax. Genk is very serious about moving on into the next round.
No major injuries to report here. Their expected lineup is Maarten Vandevoordt; Daniel Munoz, Mujaid Sadick, John Lucumi, Gerardo Arteaga; Bryan Heynen, Mike Tresor, Patrik Hrosovsky, Theo Bongonda; Paul Onuachu, Junya Ito.
Final Analysis, Predictions
Shakhtar Donetsk will go all-in from the start. De Zerbi isn’t happy about losing their last domestic game, and he doesn’t want that to become a habit. Despite having two players out, their roster depth is more than enough to still have a very competitive team
Genk will play on the counter-attack. Remember, the away goal rule doesn’t exist anymore and a 1-0 victory would be enough for them to force overtime. Don’t forget to check the Soccer Props to increase your winning chances. Take a shot on the correct score, half time/full time winner, and more.
Score Prediction: Shakhtar Donetsk 2, Genk 1
Pick: Shakhtar Donetsk -½ at -135
