Prediction: Shakhtar Donetsk vs Feyenoord

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Unibet

Two sides who will be looking to pick up a Europa League advantage on Thursday night, Shakhtar Donetsk will meet Feyenoord at the Stadion Wojska Polskiego.

Shakhtar Donetsk

Starting with Shakhtar, while the Ukrainian giants might have only made their return to competitive duties last month, Igor Jovicevic’s side have come flying out of the traps. Picking up a famous penalties victory on foreign soil last month as they came past French outfit Rennes on February 23rd, the mood in their camp should be at a real high. Forced to play their Europan fixtures at the Stadion Wojska Polskiego, the Miners could be smelling an opportunity to claim a first-leg advantage here. Picking up some perfect momentum over the weekend as they stormed their way to a 7-0 romp away at Metalist, Jovicevic’s men have racked up 14 strikes on their four-match winning run across all competitions. Once again tipped as a leading pick to defend their domestic crown in 2023, Shakhtar should be relishing a return to the Europa League stage on Thursday night.

Team News

In what is a major blow for Shakhtar on Thursday night, attacking talisman Maryan Shved will miss out here after picking up a muscle injury. Likewise, Jovicevic is also sweating over the fitness of defender Mykola Matvienko in midweek.

Timon Wellenreuther should once again start between the sticks here as Justin Bijlow is still dealing with a recent issue.

Feyenoord

As for Feyenoord, laying down what was a real Europa League marker last year as they snatched top spot in Group F ahead of the likes of Italian giants Lazio, Arne Slot’s side are in the midst of an extended purple patch. Holding a three-point buffer at the top of the Eredivisie table and tipped as a leading pick to get their hands on a first domestic crown since 2017, the Dutch heavyweights are riding what has been an extended wave of momentum. Last seen over the weekend putting in another professional display as they picked up a 1-0 victory at home against Groningen, the Rotterdam-based outfit hve won each of their last six matchups across all competitions. With that run highlighted by an eye-catching 2-1 win against Alkmaar on February 18th, Slot’s men have also not lost a single competitive showdown since way back in October.

Team News

Feyenoord have already confirmed that they will open their first-leg showdown without the duo of Quinten Timber and Patrik Walemark on Thursday night. Likewise, goalkeeper Justin Bijlow is also still dealing with a wrist injury and will play no part in midweek.

Already recording six strikes across all formats since opening 2023, 21-year-old Santiago Gimenez will spearhead Slot’s charge.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last met in the 2017 Champions League group stages, Shakhtar won both of their meetings by an aggregate score of 5-2.
• However, Feyenoord have won each of their previous six domestic matchups across all competitions.
• Likewise, the Dutch giants have also not suffered a single defeat since a 1-0 loss against Strum Graz on October 27th.
• Despite only returning to competitive action last month, Shakhtar has bagged 14 strikes in their four appearances.
• Three of Feyenoord’s last four appearances on the road have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

Although Shakhtar might have sprung a Europa League upset last month as they edged their way past French outfit Rennes on foreign soil, Jovicevic’s side should face another tough test here. With it looking like Feyenoord are in pole position to claim a first Eredivisie crown in six years, Thursday’s guests are in the midst of what has been a remarkable unbeaten run. Not suffering a single defeat across any format since way back on October 27th, the Dutch giants will be desperate to claim a first-leg advantage here. However, with Shakhtar enjoying quite the free-scoring run since returning to action last month, we could be treated to an enjoyable affair in midweek. Likewise, with Feyenoord seeing three of their last four away fixtures finish with both teams finding the net, we are backing a similar outcome here.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Unibet