This Champions League third round tie sees two sides who are big forces in their respective countries come head-to-head as Shakhtar Donetsk of Ukraine face BSC Young Boys of Switzerland.
Shakhtar lost out on the Ukrainian title to arch rivals Dinamo Kiev last season in what was Mircea Lucescu’s final season in charge before heading to Zenit St. Petersburg. With Lucescu having established a successful formula at Shakhtar by buying cheap Brazilians and selling them on at large profits, it will be interesting to see how the club move forward now that the Romanian has left.
When Lucescu won the UEFA Cup with Shakhtar in 2009, it was thought the Ukrainian side would really kick on in Europe. However, despite regularly competing in Europe during recent years, success has been limited. Perhaps a new season under a new manager can inspire them to fulfill their lofty ambitions.
Swiss side Young Boys have never won the Swiss title and the side from Bern, the capital of Switzerland, have never made the group stages of the Champions League. This tough tie against Shakhtar means that run is likely to be extended. However, they do not lack European experience and have been regular qualifiers to the Europa League in recent years, although they did miss out last season.
There is no value in backing Shakhtar for a simple win. However, I cannot see passed the side now based in Lviv (due to the Ukrainian civil war) and have looked at other markets, going with Shakhtar to win both halves at 11/4.
I believe Paulo Fonseco, former Porto and Braga manager, will have his team start on the front foot and look to kill off this tie in the first leg at home. The Ukrainians have the better squad on paper with the likes of Wellington Nem, Yevhen Seleznov alongside former Croatia captain Darijo Srna which should prove too much for Young Boys.
See all of today’s tips here.