As the UEFA Champions League rolls on, FC Porto is set to host Shakhtar Donetsk for a gripping showdown that has soccer fans eagerly awaiting the kickoff. The match is scheduled for December 13, 2023, at the grand Estádio Do Dragão in Porto. With both teams looking to secure pivotal points, it's an encounter that promises to reverberate through the group stage standings.
Match analysis
With FC Porto sitting second and Shakhtar Donetsk just a place behind in their Champions League table, it's a pivotal match for both clubs. Within FC Porto's recent 10 games across all competitions, they've shown strong form, notching 8 wins and only 2 losses, effectively netting 25 goals and conceding just 6. Shakhtar's run of 10 recent matches reflects a similar pattern of resilience and capability, having also registered 8 wins, 1 draw, and just 1 loss. The Ukrainian side managed to score 14 times while keeping their sheets clean from heavy concessions, letting in only 4 goals.
Recent form
FC Porto has had a robust showing in their domestic league as well as on the European stage. They've maintained a consistent scoring trend and exhibited solid defensive composure, having scored 3 or more goals in 5 of their last 10 outings and keeping clean sheets in 4 of those games.
On Shakhtar Donetsk's side, their output has been slightly more modest but no less effective, managing to keep 5 clean sheets in their last 10 fixtures. Their attacking prowess, while not as high-scoring as Porto's, has clearly been efficient, as indicated by their recent form.
- FC Porto: 80% win rate in the last 10 matches, scoring 2.5 goals per game on average
- Shakhtar Donetsk: 80% win rate in the last 10 matches, scoring 1.4 goals per game on average
Head to head
- FC Porto victory: 60%
- Shakhtar Donetsk victory: 20%
- Draws: 20%
Previous head to head encounters lean in favor of FC Porto, with the Portuguese side having outscored Shakhtar in their recent Champions League meeting this season. However, it's worth noting that these teams have also drawn twice in their last 5 confrontations, signaling that matches are often closely contested.
Prediction
FC Porto's home advantage and the consistency in their scoring make them the favorites for this fixture. Meanwhile, Shakhtar Donetsk’s resilience and efficiency cannot be overlooked, and they will not make it easy for the home side. This fixture could likely see goals on both ends, as both teams have been fairly consistent in finding the back of the net.
**Betting Tip:** Full time score leaning towards a win for FC Porto, with a possible score line of 2-1.
**Additional Tips:**
- **Over/Under Goals:** Over 2.5 goals — considering the scoring trends of both teams.
- **Both Teams to Score:** Yes — as both teams have shown the propensity to score in recent games.
- **Asian Handicap:** FC Porto -1 — Porto might not completely dominate, but playing at home could provide them with the edge needed to cover this handicap.
- **First Half/Second Half:** Most goals to be scored in the second half — as both teams may take a cautious approach initially and open up play as the match progresses.
Despite Shakhtar's fighting spirit, the force of FC Porto at Estádio Do Dragão with the backing of their avid fans could be the determining factor in what's expected to be an electrifying European night.
