This is how group E looks like after 5 rounds of Champions league action. Holders Chelsea are on the verge of exiting from the competition unless Shakhtar manage to get all three points against the Italian Champions Juventus and of course a win at home against Nordsjalland.
Nordsjaalland is already out of both the Champions League and the Europa League, so they have nothing to lose and will be looking to salvage some pride when they leave the big stage this season. If the Blues do manage to win today, which they have not done under Rafa Benitez they will still have to wait for the result elsewhere in Ukraine. Not even a draw could help the London side and they could end up playing Thursday night football in Europa league.
Shakhtar Donetsk have been brillaint this season and it is one of their best run in the Champions league. In their last meeting Shakhtar and Juventus played out an entertaining draw which could have easily ended up as a win for the Ukrainians.
Fernandinho , Willian, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and Alex Teixera will once again try and make it difficult for the Juve’s back line as they did a fortnight ago. The match is also important for the Bianconeri as well because if they lose and if Chelsea win in England, the Italians could be out of the competition.
Team News:
Shakhtar
The Ukrainians will be missing some key figures in their side. They will be without striker Luiz Adriano as he serves a one match ban for his unsportsmanlike goal at Nordsjaelland two weeks ago. Midfielder Tomas Hubschman has a thigh injury, so he’s doubtful for the game along with center back Dmytro Chygrynskiy.
Juventus:
No big worries for the Old lady regarding injuries. Only absentee will be Claudio Marchisio due to the ban he is serving for maximum yellow cards and Pogba will likely replace him in midfield.
Prediction:
0-1 win for Juventus. Though Shakhtar have qualified for the knockouts they will look to finish the group stage on a high, however Juve will look to hold them at the back and attack on the counter.