Arsenal have won both previous home games against Shakhtar Donetsk, under pressure to continue that streak on Tuesday?
Arsenal vs Shakhtar Donetsk Preview
This is a crucial four-week period for Arsenal, with huge games coming thick and fast, so having started it with a dismal first defeat of the season, can they get back to winning ways? On Saturday, the Gunners' unbeaten start to this season came to an abrupt halt, surprisingly defeated 2-0 at Bournemouth, seeing William Saliba sent off in the first half, before collapsing, conceding twice in the final 20 minutes. This is the third time in eight Premier League games that Mikel Arteta's team have been reduced to ten-men and it is no coincidence that these are three fixtures they've failed to win.
Their next three league games are against Liverpool, Newcastle and then Chelsea, so their performance level will need to exponentially increase instantaneously. Before Sunday's huge clash with league-leaders Liverpool, the small matter of this Champions League tie, as Arsenal seek to continue their solid start in this competition. The Gunners battled to a goalless draw with Atalanta in Bergamo, before swatting aside Paris Saint-Germain; Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka the scorers. With trips to Inter and then Sporting next on the agenda in Europe, collecting three points here is of paramount importance.
As for Shakhtar Donetsk, it's worth stating upfront how remarkable it is that they're able to compete at Champions League level, considering their homeland is still ravaged by war, most-recently playing a home match over a decade ago when the Donbas war first broke out. Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Vyshcha Liha has barely survived, with fixtures played in front of sparse crowds wherever then can be safely staged.
Back in August for example, Shakhtar's game against Kryvbas Kryvyi was abandoned shortly after half time due to an air-raid siren, a reality few can fathom. Given all of the above, Marino Pušić's side did well to hold Bologna to a goalless draw in Italy back on matchday one although, a fortnight later, the Miners looked massively out of their depth, steamrollered 3-0 by Atalanta at their temporary home in Gelsenkirchen and, in truth, it could've been six or seven. The Ukrainian champions have never won in England, losing seven of nine previous visits, beaten 3-2 and 5-1 the two previous occasions they've taken on Arsenal in North London, with a similar outcome expected here.
Arsenal vs Shakhtar Donetsk Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 4
- Arsenal Wins: 2. Draws: 0. Shakhtar Donetsk Wins: 2.
Arsenal vs Shakhtar Donetsk: Last 4 Meetings
- 3 November 2010 - Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 Arsenal
- 19 October 2010 - Arsenal 5-1 Shakhtar Donetsk
- 7 November 2000 - Shakhtar Donetsk 3-0 Arsenal
- 20 September 2000 - Arsenal 3-2 Shakhtar Donetsk
Arsenal Team News
Mikel Arteta confirmed in his press conference on Monday morning that Martin Ødegaard is still sidelined, but Jurriën Timber and Bukayo Saka, both of whom also sat out Saturday's trip to Bournemouth, could return here. Supporters are clamouring for Ethan Nwaneri to start, having shone against both Bolton and in a brief cameo against Leicester, so could he come into midfield, alongside Mikel Merino, who made his full-debut at the weekend? William Saliba will, of course, sit out Sunday's clash against Liverpool suspended, but is free to play here.
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Shakhtar Donetsk: (4-2-3-1): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Merino, Nwaneri; Sterling, Trossard, Havertz.
Arsenal Player to Watch vs Shakhtar Donetsk
Kai Havertz has scored in each of his last seven appearances at Emirates Stadium, including all six this season. Only three players in Arsenal's entire history have found the net in eight successive home appearances for the club, Jimmy Brain (1927), Doug Lishman (1954) and Thierry Henry (2000), a record Havertz will equal with another goal here.
Shakhtar Donetsk Team News
Marino Pušić's squad predominantly features domestic players, given the difficulties they face attracting overseas talent, although there are still seven Brazilians, continuing the club's renowned tradition. Despite the fact he's yet to score this season, Eguinaldo is set to continue up front, chosen over Lassina Traoré. Heorhiy Sudakov is their top-scorer with seven so far, four of which came during a 44 minute spree against LNZ Cherkasy earlier this month.
Shakhtar Donetsk predicted lineup vs Arsenal: (4-3-3): Riznyk; Konoplya, Bondar, Matviyenko, Pedrinho; Stepanenko, Kryskiv, Sudakov, Zubkov, Newerton; Eguinaldo.
Shakhtar Donetsk Player to Watch vs Arsenal
Captain Taras Stepanenko was rested for Friday's 1-0 win at Kolos Kovalivka, but will return here, making his 432nd appearances for Shakhtar Donetsk, 102 of which will have come in UEFA competition. Only four men have represented the club more often, although he'll still be 104 shy of Darijo Srna's all-time record. Stepanenko was on the bench the last time the Miners visited North London 14 years ago, smashed 5-1 by an Arsenal side featuring Sébastien Squillaci, Johan Djourou, Samir Nasri and Marouane Chamakh
Arsenal vs Shakhtar Donetsk Prediction
We're backing Arsenal to claim both a comfortable win as well as a third consecutive Champions League clean sheet. Back at home, the Gunners will need to show a reaction to Saturday's meagre display and, as alluded to, Shakhtar Donetsk are struggling to compete at this level, yet to score in Europe this season, a fact we're forecasting will remain the case: Arsenal 3-0 Shakhtar Donetsk.
Arsenal vs Shakhtar Donetsk FAQs - Champions League
How to watch Arsenal vs Shakhtar Donetsk Champions League game on TV channel?
Arsenal vs Shakhtar Donetsk Champions League game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Amazon Prime Video.
- USA: Paramount+ & ViX
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Arsenal vs Shakhtar Donetsk Champions League game on live streaming?
Arsenal vs Shakhtar Donetsk Champions League game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Amazon Prime Video.
- USA: Paramount+ & ViX
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Arsenal vs Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League?
Arsenal vs Shakhtar Donetsk takes place on Tuesday 22 October 2024, with kick off at 20:00 (BST), 15:00 (ET) & 12:00 (PDT).