Bologna v Shakhtar Donetsk

Bologna vs Shakhtar Donetsk Preview

Bologna gained another point in the Italian top flight on the weekend when they held Como to a 2-2 draw away from home but the fact remains that Wednesday night's hosts are still without a win in the early stages of this new season, while by contrast, Shakhtar Donetsk registered a comprehensive 5-2 home win against Karpaty Lviv in the Ukrainian Premier League which became the visitors' third win of the season.

Last season's fifth placed finishers Bologna enjoyed their most successful season in the Italian domestic top flight last term since 2001/02 campaign when they finished in seventh place and this earned the hosts a place in this season's Champions League but their domestic season has not yet taken off.

Three draws and a defeat has handed Bologna just three points from a possible 12 on offer to date as Vincenzo Italiano's side have picked up points in draws with Udinese, Empoli and Como respectively but they have also slipped to a heavy 3-0 loss away from home at Napoli.

Interestingly, each of Bologna's three draws have also resulted in both teams scoring while six of their last 10 games overall have also seen both teams score so the goals market appeals here.

Shakhtar Donetsk have picked up three wins from their opening five games of the new Ukrainian top flight season with victories gained over Vorskla, Livyi Bereh and the aforementioned 5-2 crushing win against Karpaty Lviv.

However, Shakhtar Donetsk have posted a pretty mixed bag of results in all competitions over a fairly lengthy period following a previously excellent 15-match winning streak, as the visitors have managed to collect just a further five wins within their subsequent 13 matches in all competitions.

Marino Pusic's side have also slipped to five defeats within this period as well, so the goals market may be the safest option for this upcoming clash at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara especially as five of Shakhtar Donetsk's last 10 away games have also resulted in both teams hitting the back of the net as well.

Bologna v Shakhtar Donetsk Verdict

Both Bologna and Shakhtar Donetsk have been involved in games where both teams have scored in recent times and Bologna may just sneak a narrow win here in their first ever Champions League tie.

Therefore, our main bet will be BTTS Yes @ 1.80

Other side bets worth considering:

Bologna win @ 1.85

Bologna win & Over 2.5 goals @ 3.00