Match Overview
The first-round match of the 2025/26 group stage between Aberdeen (Scotland) and Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine) is set to take place on October 2nd at Pittodrie Stadium. This article provides a comprehensive prediction, betting odds analysis, and statistical insights for the Aberdeen vs. Shakhtar Donetsk encounter.
Aberdeen
Aberdeen’s European Journey
For the Scottish side, this match against Shakhtar will be their debut in the current season, though it is not their first European fixture this campaign. The team began its continental journey with playoff clashes against Romanian club FCSB in the Europa League, where Aberdeen lost with an aggregate score of 2:5 over two legs. This will mark Aberdeen’s third appearance in the Conference League: in the 2021/22 season, the club failed to pass the final qualification round, and two years later, Aberdeen exited at the group stage, finishing 3rd in their quartet. It’s worth noting that the team’s scoring streak in this European competition spans 7 matches.
Key Statistics for Aberdeen
- Both teams have scored in 6 out of Aberdeen’s last 7 matches.
- At least 2 goals have been scored in the last 7 fixtures involving the Scottish team.
- The club has conceded goals in 11 out of its last 12 matches.
Aberdeen’s Provisional Lineup
Dimitar Mitov – Christerz Tobers, Jack Milne, Mats Knoester – Nicky Devlin, Ante Palaversa, Graeme Shinnie, Emmanuel Diyamfi – Adil Aouchiche, Jesper Karlsson, Kevin Nisbet.
Team News for Aberdeen
Key midfielder Alexander Jensen is suspended.
Shakhtar Donetsk
Shakhtar Donetsk’s European Campaign
Arda Turan’s charges have already navigated a significant distance in their international campaign. The team started from the first qualifying round of the Europa League, where they eliminated Finnish side Ilves. In the next stage, the club overcame Turkish club Besiktas. In the third phase, Shakhtar was knocked out by Greek club Panathinaikos, losing only after a penalty shootout. After entering the playoffs, the Ukrainians narrowly defeated Swiss side Servette. This marks the team’s first-ever participation in the main tournament of the . It’s worth adding that in 8 matches this European season, Shakhtar has not lost within 90 minutes.
Key Statistics for Shakhtar Donetsk
- No more than 2 goals were scored in regular time in 5 of the club’s last European League and Conference League matches.
- A draw occurred in regular time in 5 out of Shakhtar’s previous 7 matches in these tournaments.
- The team has conceded at least 1 goal in 5 of its last 7 away European matches.
Shakhtar Donetsk’s Provisional Lineup
Dmytro Riznyk – Yukhym Konoplya, Valeriy Bondar, Mykola Matviyenko, Pedro Henrique – Artem Bondarenko, Marlon Gomes, Dmytro Kryskiv, Pedrinho – Isake Severino, Luka Meirelles.
Team News for Shakhtar Donetsk
Forwards Alisson Santana and Lassina Traore are injured.
Match Prediction: Aberdeen vs Shakhtar Donetsk
Prediction Analysis
Many consider Aberdeen to be the clear underdog in this pairing, but the Scottish side has previously demonstrated their readiness to challenge opponents of varying calibers. Even when the team doesn’t secure points, in most cases, they manage to keep the intrigue alive until the final whistle. In their last 5 matches, the club has suffered only 1 defeat, and that loss was by the smallest margin. Looking at their home results, Aberdeen has not lost by a margin of two goals or more in 5 out of their last 6 home matches in the . Shakhtar, in principle, has won in regular time in only 5 of their last 19 European matches. In the club’s last 4 international fixtures, the score was a draw after 90 minutes. It should be noted that away games are particularly challenging for the team. The Ukrainians have won only 1 of their last 11 away European matches without extra time consideration. I anticipate another tough and tightly contested match for Shakhtar. My prediction is –
Aberdeen with a handicap (+1.5).
Author
Nikita Kudryavtsev
Note on Lineups
* The starting lineup for each team is based on their last match.
Mark Thompson
