Renowned journalist and editor-in-chief of Football magazine Artem Frankov has prepared a forecast for the Champions League group stage match between Shakhtar and Porto.
Artem Frankov"Well, hello, Champions League! This is the last time (I don't want to say that it's forever, but probably for a long time) that the Ukrainian champion has entered the group directly, without qualifying, and, of course, intends to take full advantage of it. The other question is: what do we have to do that?
Has Shakhtar become stronger compared to a year ago? No - minus Mudryk, Trubin, Traore (he won't return before the New Year due to injury), apparently Matvienko and Bondar (injuries) won't play against Porto, Petryak, like Traore, is simply not listed for the CL group for the same reason. Who will be in defence? Veterans Rakitsky and Chygrynsky?
Last season, the opening victory of Donetsk over Leipzig 4-1 was perceived as a miracle - it was, just remember Marian Schwede's goals. I think that even now the Ukrainian team can count on a miracle, not forgetting, however, the classics - the ball is round, the pitch is flat and rectangular...
Both rivals are confidently leading their respective championships, which, in fact, no one doubted before. However, victories are not easy for both, and there are losses: "Porto started the season with a Super Cup defeat to Benfica, and recently lost its first points in the league - although this was before the national team break; Shakhtar drew twice and is second to Dynamo in terms of points lost, with three games in hand.
Unlike the story with Leipzig, against Porto, we don't have to count on instability and crisis - the legendary Sergio Conceição gives the impression of a coach who has come to the Dragao for good.
I would also like to remind you that in the Champions League, Shakhtar host their opponents in Hamburg. My bet: Over 2 and TV 2.5 at 2.45 - a sad forecast," said Frankov.
Current quotes for Shakhtar vs Porto >>>
