Chelsea V Shakhtar Donetsk Champions League
Well, no-one expected the reigning European Champions to be stuck on just four points from their opening three matches of the competition. But that is where the Blues are at the moment following a defeat in the Ukraine on Match Day Three and now they face a tough battle for a qualification spot. Donetsk took control of Group E with the win over Chelsea and can do themselves a huge favour if they can back it up with at least a point at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea v Shakhtar Donetsk Champions League Betting Odds at online bookmaker Bet365:
Chelsea Evens, Draw 5/2, Shakhtar Donetsk 11/4
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Verdict:
The Ukrainians have caused problems to and have overshadowed both Chelsea and Juventus in the group so far. Now they can cement their place at the top if they can pick up second win over the Blues. It was a deserved win that they took over Chelsea as well and dominated their English opponents. Chelsea are usually pretty strong at Stamford Bridge in Europe, but they blew a two goal lead against Juventus on Match Day One there. They really need to get back to winning ways on home soil or else they will be under immense pressure. Their defeat has dragged Juventus back into the mix and this is a massive game for Roberto Di Matteo’s men. The draw against Juventus ended a run of six straight wins at home in Europe for Chelsea, so they generally have good form there. They have lost just five of 88 home matches in Europe as well, so they should be able to get the win they need. It is not going to be easy though as the Ukrainians have played some very good football in the competition so far and remain unbeaten. In their previous away match this season in the group, Shakhtar could have easily beaten Juventus in Turin. They’ll be tough opposition for the Blues who are vulnerable at the back. But a Draw/Chelsea Half Time/Full Time bet is priced at 4/1 at online bookmaker Bet365.
Online bookmaker promotion:
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Chelsea v Shakhtar Donetsk Betting Preview:
The Blues are just looking as if they are wobbling a bit lately. They have won just one of their last five Champions League matches now and if ever they needed some home comforts then it is now. Chelsea are without a win in their last two Premier League matches as well and so need to dig deep to find a bit of confidence really. The trouble is, is that they are not particularly strong at the back and prone to conceding. This will be the first time that Shakhtar have played at Stamford Bridge. Although they have been struggling to get going, they have the best shooting accuracy in the Champions League this season. Still, the Blues know that they have to get a win here and as difficult as it may be, they should get the job done.
This has been Shakhtar’s best start to a Champions League campaign. They have been to England four times before and scored on each of their visits there. However, they have failed to pick up a win on their travels there, losing three and drawing one (all of them incidentally were in London). The Ukrainians rained in 11 shots on target in the first game and looked a very, strong and competent outfit. They will know that a second win over Chelsea would put them through to the knock-out stage and most likely win them the group as well. Shakhtar coach Mircea Lucescu guided Besiktas to a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge in 2003, the last time Chelsea were defeated at home in Europe.
