Shakhtar Donetsk vs Brest prediction, H2H & Probable Line-ups – January 22, 2025
In the seventh round of the UEFA Champions League group stage, Shakhtar Donetsk will face Brest. The match is scheduled for Wednesday, January 22, with kick-off at 18:45 Central European Time. Here's my prediction for this game, with a focus on the winner.
Match Preview
Shakhtar has not played an official match in over a month, and their preparations for this encounter against Brest have come through friendly matches during their training camp in Turkey. The team remained unbeaten in those friendlies, but it’s difficult to gauge their readiness based on exhibition games.
The Ukrainian side has almost no chance of making it to the knockout stage, which is not surprising given their recent struggles. In recent years, Shakhtar has lacked a strong squad and appears rather weak.
Brest, on the other hand, has had a modest campaign in France’s Ligue 1 compared to last season. The team is in mid-table and doesn't hold high hopes of qualifying for European competitions.
However, in the Champions League, Brest has truly impressed. The team has only lost to Barcelona and currently sits in seventh place in the overall standings. While they were considered underdogs before the tournament began, they are now a serious contender for a spot in the round of 16.
Match Facts
- Shakhtar has lost their last two official matches.
- Brest is on a three-match winning streak.
- Shakhtar averages 2.6 goals per game at home, while Brest averages 0.8 goals per game away.
Probable Lineups
- Shakhtar Donetsk: Riznyk, Konoplya, Bondar, Matvienko, Gram, Marlon Gomes, Zubkov, Bondarenko, Sudakov, Kevin, Sikan.
- Brest: Bizot, Lala, Chardonnet, N'Diaye, Zogbe, Magnetti, Fernandez, Kamara, Dumbia, Azork, Balde.
Head-to-Head
The teams have never met before.
Prediction
Shakhtar has been inconsistent, but they always put up a fight against any opponent. I believe that in this match against the modest Brest, Shakhtar should at least avoid defeat.
