Shakhtar Donetsk and AS Roma will go head-to-head at the Metalist Stadium later this month, with both teams hoping to give themselves the best possible chance of making it through to the quarter finals of this seasons Champions League with a win in the first leg. With little separating the two teams, many are predicting a close encounter in Kharkiv.
Champions League – Shakhtar Donetsk v Roma – Metalist Stadium, Kharkiv – Wednesday 21st February – 19:45 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 7/5 at Skybet |
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Shakhtar Donetsk
RomaMatch Preview
Shakhtar Donetsk take on Italian side Roma in the Champions League Round of 16 later in February, with the duo both harbouring hopes of making it through to the next stage of the competition ahead of kick-off. Managers Paulo Fonseca and Eusebio Di Francesco will be hoping to gain an advantage for their side in the build up to the clash, with the likes of Bernard and Edin Dzeko among the star players on show in the Ukraine. For those still unsure of who to back, let’s take a closer look at the two teams, as well as their head-to-head record.
Shakhtar Donetsk Team News & Form
Shakhtar Donetsk impressed with their performances in Group F, with the Ukrainian champions recording four wins from their six matches. Despite struggling defensively at times, the likes of Bernard, Taison and Facundo Ferreyra mean that they are a side always capable of finding the back of the net. Meanwhile, despite losing away at Zorya last time around, Shakhtar still find themselves three points clear at the top of the Ukrainian top-flight, having lost just three times all season. Midfielder Fred is a player to keep an eye on for the hosts, with the Brazilian reportedly close to signing for Manchester City in the summer.
Roma Team News & Form
Roma ended a run of four matches without a win in Serie A with a narrow success away at Hellas Verona, however the pressure remains on manager Di Francesco as a result of being 16 points behind league leaders Napoli. The Champions League offers some rest bite for the Italian’s however, with Roma hoping to record a positive result at the Metalist Stadium. The likes of Dzeko, Diego Perotti and Gerson are likely to feature for the visitors, with the trio forming a front three that could well cause the hosts problems.
Head to Head
The two teams have met just four times in the past, with Shakhtar Donetsk having won on three occasions, while Roma have won just once. In fact, the last time the two teams met in the Ukraine, the hosts ran out comfortable 3-0 winners back in 2011.
Shakhtar Donetsk v Roma – Betting Odds and Predictions
Given their status as the home team in the Ukraine, it comes as little surprise that it is Shakhtar Donetsk who are the narrow favourites for victory. The home side can be backed at best odds of 13/8 with bookmaker Ladbrokes to claim victory, while Roma are available at a price of 28/15 with the same bookmaker.
Top Betting Tip Shakhtar Donetsk v Roma
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on both teams scoring during the 90 minutes, which is available at odds of 4/5 with William Hill.