PSV vs Shakhtar Donetsk Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2026-27 UEFA Champions League | League Phase
by Alex Lawes ·
Updated
PSV Eindhoven have a good chance to kick off their European campaign with a victory as they welcome Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk to the Netherlands.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV & online: UK – TNT Sports & HBO Max / USA – Paramount+
PSV preview: Impressive PSV
Former Borussia Dortmund boss Peter Bosz has previously been criticised for tactical naivety but that has allowed his PSV side to be brilliant in the last few years – winning the Eredivisie title in each of the last three seasons.
PSV have again started well. They defeated Ajax by three goals to one at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam at the weekend, meaning they have started their season with four wins and a draw in five games – scoring 18 goals in the process.
Shakhtar Donetsk preview: Tough for Shakhtar
Shakhtar Donetsk will play their home games in the league phase of the UEFA Champions League at Stamford Bridge. They reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa Conference League last season, beaten by eventual winners Crystal Palace.
Shakhtar have continued to bring in young Brazilian talents this summer, such as Ryan Roberto, Gabriel Carvalho and Bruninho, but they have lost star man Heorhiy Sudakov to Benfica for a sizeable fee.
PSV team news: A few issues
Mauro Junior is missing through suspension for PSV this week, while former Borussia Monchengladbach forward Alassane Plea is among a few players that are sidelined through injury.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Kovar; Dest, Geertruida, Obispo, Kostic; Sano, Til, Fernandez; Perisic, Pepi, Van Bommel
Unavailable: Ouaissa (Injured), Sildillia (Fitness), Junior (Suspended), Man (Injured), Plea (Injured)
Questionable: Lammers (Fitness)
Shakhtar Donetsk team news: A couple of issues
Shakhtar Donetsk head to PSV with a couple of issues as Marlon Santos is sidelined due to a muscular issue, while Pedrinho is also a doubt as he deals with a thigh injury.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Riznyk; Tobias, Bondar, Matvyenko, Henrique; Nazaryna, Ocheretko, Marlon Gomes; Alisson Santana, Kaua Elias, Newertton
Unavailable: Fesiun (Illness), Marlon Santos (Injured)
Questionable: Pedrinho (Injured)
PSV vs Shakhtar Donetsk prediction
PSV have an abundance of forward options and are in excellent form already this season, albeit AZ Alkmaar do sit just above them with a 100% record in the Eredivisie. Shakhtar appear to be attempting to rediscover their own Brazilian-inspired flare of about a decade ago and so will be proactive for this one in the Netherlands but PSV remain firm favourites, especially with home advantage.
PSV vs Shakhtar Donetsk Tip: PSV to win & both teams to score
