Shakhtar Donetsk vs Brest forecast, H2H & Likely Line-ups – January 22, 2025

In the seventh fixture of the UEFA Champions League group phase, Shakhtar Donetsk will clash with Brest. The contest is arranged for Wednesday, January 22, with kick-off at 18:45 Central European Time. Here’s my forecast for this encounter, focusing on the victor.

Game Overview
Shakhtar has not contested an official fixture in over a month, and their preparations for this showdown against Brest have come through practice games during their training camp in Turkey. The squad remained undefeated in those trials, but it’s tough to assess their sharpness based on exhibition matches.

The Ukrainian team has nearly no prospect of advancing to the knockout phase, which is unsurprising considering their ongoing difficulties. In recent seasons, Shakhtar has lacked a formidable lineup and seems quite fragile.

Brest, meanwhile, has experienced a modest journey in France’s Ligue 1 compared to the previous term. The side is mid-table and doesn’t harbor lofty ambitions of reaching European tournaments.

However, in the Champions League, Brest has significantly impressed. The squad has only fallen to Barcelona and currently occupies seventh place in the overall rankings. While they were perceived as outsiders before the competition began, they are now a genuine candidate for progression to the round of 16.

Key Insights

• Shakhtar has suffered defeats in their last two official fixtures.
• Brest is enjoying a three-match triumph streak.
• Shakhtar scores an average of 2.6 goals per home game, while Brest nets 0.8 goals per away match.

Expected Lineups

• Shakhtar Donetsk: Riznyk, Konoplya, Bondar, Matvienko, Gram, Marlon Gomes, Zubkov, Bondarenko, Sudakov, Kevin, Sikan.
• Brest: Bizot, Lala, Chardonnet, N’Diaye, Zogbe, Magnetti, Fernandez, Kamara, Dumbia, Azork, Balde.

Historical Matchups
The sides have never faced off before.

Forecast
Shakhtar has shown inconsistency, but they always deliver a spirited performance against any adversary. I anticipate that in this duel against the modest Brest, Shakhtar should at least secure a draw.

Forecast on the match: Shakhtar Donetsk will avoid defeat

Odds: 1.56