Prediction and odds for the game: Inter (3/4) v Shakhtar Donetsk (15/4)

We are backing the Inter win

When: Monday, 17th August 2020, Kick-off 20:00

Where: The Merkur Spiel-Arena

On Monday night, Inter and Shakhtar Donetsk clash in Dusseldorf for the chance to play in Friday night’s Europa League final.

Inter

The Italian giants finished as runners-up in the Italian top-flight in Antonio Conte debut campaign in the Inter dugout. The former Chelsea boss usually wins a piece of silverware at every club he manages, so the Europa League is the Nerazzurri’s last chance to pick up a trophy this season. They are favourites to win the competition heading into the last four, all of the pressure is on the men from Milan.

The favourites status is justified due to their recent form, as the Nerazzurri are unbeaten in ten games in all competitions, having recorded victories in their last five competitive games. Conte’s team has been prolific of late in the Europa League, scoring at least two goals in their previous five matches in Europe’s secondary competition.

Typically of a Conte team, Inter have also been strong in defence of late, keeping clean sheets in four of their last five competitive matches. The Nerazzurri also have a good recent record in the Europa League, having won seven of their previous nine games in the competition. The 2-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen in the last eight was their fourth straight victory in Europe.

Shakhtar Donetsk

The Ukrainian giants are now accustomed to making waves in European competition. Luis Castro’s team have been explosive going forward this season, winning the Ukrainian Premier League title. The Europa League is the only European trophy that Shakhtar have won in their history, with their only triumph coming back in 2009.

Their form in this year’s competition has been superb after they dropped out of the Champions League group stages. Shakhtar are unbeaten in five matches in Europe’s secondary competition, having recorded four victories in the process.

Luis Castro’s team have been lethal in front of goal in the Europa League, scoring at least two goals in each of their five victories in the competition. Their recent goalscoring exploits have contributed to their last seven games in the Europa League producing over 2.5 goals scored. Veteran Brazilian striker Junior Moraes has been in good form in the competition, scoring four goals this season.

Conclusion

Inter are the favourites to progress to the final of the Europa League. However, Shakhtar are unlikely to be easy opponents and offer a dangerous threat to Inter’s further participation. We are backing Inter to edge the victory, as they have better quality overall. The other bet we recommend is over 2.5 goals scored, as both teams are potent in attack.

Verdict: We are backing the Inter win at odds of 3/4 and/or over 2.5 goals scored at odds of 4/6. (All odds are taken from Bet365)

[geosnippet id=3620]

Are you looking for a bookmaker for your bet on Inter v Shakhtar Donetsk? Well, check out our betting page for Soccertimes recommended bookmakers. If you are looking for more previews and tips, then our soccer predictions page could be for you, as that is where post regular content.

Will Inter or Shakhtar Donetsk book their place in Friday’s Europa League final?