🔊 The upcoming clash between Shakhtar and Ilves promises to be intriguing. This is the first round of UEFA Europa League qualification. The gap in class is evident, making the Ukrainian side strong favorites. The question remains: can the Finnish team keep the tie alive until the return leg? It's worth noting that the match will take place at the "Stožice" Stadium in Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Head-to-Head
📊 These teams have not faced each other before.
Shakhtar Donetsk Team Overview
The team's last match took place on July 6, with Shakhtar as the hosts and Slovacko as the visitors. The game ended in a 1-1 draw.
Here are the match statistics (Shakhtar vs Slovacko):
- possession: 50% vs 50%;
- corners: 6 vs 3;
- yellow cards: 0 vs 1;
- shots on target: 6 vs 4.
Shakhtar head into the match with an impressive track record, boasting 6 wins in their last 10 games and just one defeat. The team showcases a potent attack, averaging 2 goals per match, alongside a solid defense, conceding 1.1 goals per game over this period. However, in the last Ukrainian Premier League campaign, the Miners stumbled, securing bronze instead of their usual gold medals. As a result, they missed out on the Champions League and will have to fight for a spot in the Europa League group stage.
Tampereen Ilves Team Overview
The away team played their last official match on as part of the Veikkausliiga tournament (home team – Seinajoen, away – Tampereen Ilves). The match concluded with a scoreline of 1:1.
Here are the match stats (Tampereen Ilves vs Seinajoen):
- ball possession: 54% vs 46%;
- corner kicks: 9 vs 4;
- fouls: 11 vs 15;
- yellow cards: 2 vs 6;
- shots on target: 6 vs 2.
Ilves have shown commendable form in their recent outings, securing 5 wins out of their last 10 games, a testament to the team's consistency. They average 1.8 goals per match while conceding fewer, with an average of 1.1. Notably, the "Lynxes" remain unbeaten in their last four away fixtures, clinching victory in three of them. In the Finnish Championship, currently in full swing, Ilves confidently sit among the top three, trailing the leaders by just a single point. It's worth highlighting that they are the highest-scoring team in the tournament, with 33 goals in 15 matches.
Prediction on the outcome
- Tampereen Ilves won with a +2.5 handicap in 23 of last 24 away games.
Prediction on the over/under
- Shakhtar Donetsk have scored under 3.5 goals in last 9 home games.
- Shakhtar Donetsk have scored under 3.5 goals in 8 of last 9 games.
Prediction on corners
- Under 9.5 corners in 10 of last 11 Shakhtar Donetsk home games.
⭐ Editorial Prediction
In our view, the bookmakers are significantly underestimating Ilves, or perhaps overrating Shakhtar. The Ukrainian giants are just kicking off their season, with players not yet in peak condition, whereas their opponents have consistent match practice and quite decent results. Therefore, we believe the underdogs can put up a fight and at least avoid a heavy defeat. Our bet is on Ilves to win with a +2.5 handicap.[(Shimizu S-Pulse) Weakness]: 1. Shimizu S-Pulse are 13th in the J1 League table. Facing 2nd-placed Kashima Antlers, they will find it hard to win this match due to their declining form, indicating doubtful motivation.2. Shimizu S-Pulse defender Yuji Takahashi and forward Sena Saito will miss this league game due to injuries.3. Shimizu S-Pulse were winless with 2 draws and 3 losses in the last 5 g...
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