Prediction: Ilves vs Shakhtar Donetsk – Betting Tips, Team News, Key Facts
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 17/20
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Simply looking to extend on their Europa League qualifying adventure with another statement, Shakhtar will travel to Finland on Thursday evening when they meet Ilves.
Ilves
Starting with the hosts, putting in what was a nightmare European performance last week as they slumped to a woeful 6-0 first-leg defeat, Ilves are simply looking to save some face on Thursday evening. Already watching their qualifying dreams go up in smoke, Joonas Rantanen's side will take some solace from their immediate response last weekend. Securing an action-packed 3-2 victory against VPS, the Finnish giants are enjoying a domestic flurry. However, once again pencilled in as a real underdog in midweek, Ilves have shown some worrying defensive issues. Along with shipping eight goals in their back-to-back appearances over the past week, Thursday's hosts have mustered just a sole clean sheet from any of their previous six matchups across all competitions.
Ilves Team News
Ahead of their return to Tampere on Thursday evening, Ilves have reported a clean bill of health and have no fresh injury concerns. Featuring for Finland's U21s at this summer's European Championships, Teemu Hytonen could get some minutes under his belt.
Completing a permanent switch from Danish outfit Odense ahead of the 2025 campaign, one-time Chievo star Sauli Vaisanen will start at the heart of Ilves defence in midweek.
Shakhtar Donetsk
As for the visitors, while Shakhtar might have been disappointed last season as they had to settle for a bronze medal finish among Ukraine's elite, Arda Turan's men haven't shown any signs of a hangover so far this summer. Putting in what was a sensational first-leg performance last week as they cruised their way to a 6-0 romp, the Miners will simply be looking to extend on their Europa League qualifying adventure with another statement of intent. Suffering just a single defeat across any competition from any of their last 18 – a run that stems back to the end of January, the one-time Barcelona midfielder has also seen his squad find a real clinical edge in the final third.
Shakhtar Donetsk Team News
Holding a dominant six-goal advantage ahead of Thursday's trip to Finland, Turan could be tempted to make a handful of alterations here. Both coming off the bench and notching first-leg strikes last week, the Brazilian duo of Pedrinho and Newerton could be handed a full recall.
Making an immediate impact since arriving from Serie A outfit Atletico-MG ahead of the 2025 campaign, 19-year-old Alisson should play a leading role in the final third.
Ilves vs Shakhtar Donetsk Key Factors to Consider
- When Ilves and Shakhtar Donetsk met for their first-leg showdown last week, the Ukrainian giants stormed their way to a sensational 6-0 victory.
- Shakhtar have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous 18 competitive appearances across all competitions.
- Along with shipping eight goals in their back-to-back appearances over the past week, Ilves have recorded just a single clean sheet from their last six outings.
- 11 of Ilves last 12 matchups on home soil have finished with over 2.5 goals.
- Brazilian youngster Alisson recorded two goals and a trio of assists during last week's 6-0 victory.
Conclusion
Travelling to Tampere on Thursday evening holding a sensational six-goal advantage, Shakhtar will simply be looking to extend on their Europa League qualifying adventure with another statement of intent. Enjoying a real free-scoring run in the final third, we could be set for another enjoyable European battle here. Watching Ilves ship eight goals in their back-to-back appearances over the past week, Thursday's hosts have also gained a reputation for their lively outcomes in Tampere. With the Yellows seeing 11 of their previous 12 matchups at the Tammela Stadion finish with over 2.5 goals, chances could come thick and fast.
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 17/20
Bookmaker: Dachbet