Shakhtar Donetsk vs Gent predictions, betting tips & match previews

Shakhtar Donetsk can take a big step towards the knockout rounds of the Europa League with three points against Gent on Thursday night. Having won both games in the group so far, the Ukrainians would be in a dominant position if they were to make it three wins from three. Will second placed Gent offer up any resistance?

Shakhtar have yet to concede a goal in this group. They haven’t found Konyaspor and Braga to be too difficult, but can they claim three points against Gent? The Belgians were in the knockout rounds of the Champions League earlier this year, but they’ve had mixed fortunes in their Europa League group so far. They drew away to Braga and beat Konyaspor 2-0. Now they face their biggest test.

Looking at their domestic form, you have to say that Gent need to improve ahead of this game. They’ve scored just 24% of their league goals away from home. They’ve conceded 67% of their goals on the road, while they’ve yet to pick up a win on their travels. They’re averaging just 0.8 goals a game away from their own ground in the league, which is another worrying statistic ahead of a long trip and a difficult match.

Shakhtar are unbeaten in the league, they’ve won eight and drew one of their last nine at home in all competitions. What makes that even more impressive is the fact they’re still playing in L’viv instead of the Donbass Arena. That change hasn’t stopped them. Having conceded just six goals in 11 matches, and averaging 0.33 goals a game against them at home, they seem even stronger now.

Shakhtar have won nine of their last 11 home Europa League games, and we’re backing them to add to that tally here. They’re heavy 2/5 favourites with bet365, but we’re backing them to win to nil. Gent have lost their last two away league games without scoring, and we can’t see them getting past past this solid defence. A home win to nil is our bet, which is 5/4 with bet365.