Celtic vs Shakhtar Donetsk Predictions

• Celtic have conceded in 28 of their last 29 Champions League games
• The hosts have kept one clean sheet in their last 10 games in all competitions
• All four of Shakhtar’s group games have seen BTTS land
• The Bhoys have been beaten in their last seven home games in this competition

Celtic’s European hopes fading

Making the last 16 was always going to be a tall order for Celtic, but they had hoped to pip Shakhtar Donetsk to third at least and make the Europa League. Those hopes are all but gone for the Scottish champions, who can’t translate their domestic form to Europe.

Celtic sit bottom of their group with just a point, earned in a visit to Shakhtar. However, the Ukrainian side have racked up five points after holding Real Madrid to a draw in their last game. They still have a chance of making the last 16 and a win in Glasgow would boost those hopes.

Bhoys’ defence to struggle

Celtic have only kept one clean sheet in their last 29 matches in the Champions League outside of qualifiers, which came in a win at Anderlecht in September 2017. Across those 29 matches, the Bhoys have conceded 70 goals at an average of 2.4 per game.

That’s been clear in Europe this season, where they’ve failed to keep a clean sheet. They’ve conceded nine times across their four group games this term, while in all competitions they’ve kept one clean sheet in their last 10.

Back goals in Glasgow

Shakhtar have seen plenty of goals in their games too, with both teams scoring in each of their four group games this term. The visitors have also seen BTTS land in four of their last five in all competitions, fired on by Oleksandr Zubkov.

The striker has notched in four of his last five games, scoring in consecutive Champions League outings. Following that form I’m backing him to notch in this trip, while the defensive issues for both sides means that BTTS looks like the best bet.

Celtic have lost seven of their last eight games in the Champions League, while they’ve lost seven straight home games (excluding qualifiers). Given that Shakhtar have already won away in this group, I’m backing a 2-1 victory for the visitors.