Malmo v Shakthar Donetsk Betting Tip Both teams to score, 15-10-21

Both teams expected to score in Sweden

Champions League Tips

Malmo v Shakthar Donetsk
Wednesday 21st October – Kickoff: 1945hrs
Football – Europe – Champions League

Despite being just two games in to the Champions League group stage, it’s looking very likely that Malmo and Shakthar are already competing for third place in Group A, and a place in the Europa League early in the new year. Neither have managed a point against Real Madrid or PSG and it is expected that the two games against each other will define where they finish.

Malmo were the rank outsiders when this draw was made back in August, and although they are still pointless after the first two games, they Swede’s have performed with credit. Consecutive 2-0 losses – away in Paris and at home to Real – mean they sit above Wednesday’s opponents by virtue of a better goal difference, and they will be hoping to stay there as they attempt to collect their first points of this campaign.

Shakthar have suffered heavier defeats than Malmo in their opening couple of games, and look to be struggling without the service of Douglas Costa and Luis Adriano who both departed in the summer. The Brazilians were a massive part of the success the Ukrainians have enjoyed over the last few years but with the financial resources the club have at their disposal, it’s unlikely it will be too long before their star quality is replaced but it definitely looks as though they are going through a period of transition, at the moment.

The Swedish champions have already beaten Salzburg and Celtic during qualification for the group stage – without conceding a goal – and whilst they were well beaten by Real Madrid earlier this month, the visit of Shakthar definitely presents them with a realistic chance of winning. Malmo will also take heart from the fact that they were deserved winners against Olympiakos in last season’s Champions League, which was their most presentable opportunity in a group that also contained Juventus and Atletico Madrid.

For all the flair and qualify that Shatkhar have brought to this competition over the years, their away form has also been a major weakness. They did manage a narrow 1-0 win against Rapid Vienna in the playoff round, but last season’s 7-0 thrashing of BATE is their only group stage success on the road in their last seven attempts. They also suffered the ignominy of being beaten 7-0 themselves, as they succumbed to a rampant Bayern team in the last-16 back in March.

Malmo v Shakthar Donetsk Betting Tips

I was surprised to see that the visitors were odds on to win this game considering the struggles they have had recently on the road. They did record an excellent 3-0 win away to Dynamo Kiev in their domestic league last Friday, which is a sign of their potential, but I am not willing to back them at the price they are. Malmo are a very athletic side and despite not having the technical ability of their opponents, can be expected to make it difficult. Neither team have yet to score in the group stage but as birth will be desperate for the win, it should lead to an open game with plenty of scoring opportunities, so take both teams to score.
Both teams to score 4/5 @ Coral