Shakhtar Donetsk take on Danish side Nordsjaelland on Saturday, July 9th.
Ukrainian runners-up are getting ready for the new season with their new coach Paulo Fonseka. The team have already taken part in four matches, bating Meppen and Gent, (4-1 and 2-0 respectively), drew their clash against Bugger (2-2) and lost to Vitesse (0-2). The team finally have their key players returned from vacation and ready to prove their new coach they deserve the place in lineup. On top of that, players need to get their best shape soon as they have coming start of Champions League qualifying campaign.
Nordsjaelland played poorly in last season, taking only 9th place in the league of 12 teams with 38 points in 33 matches with 35-51 aggregate goal difference in these games. Danish side have already played three matches this offseason, beating Roskilde, 3-2, and Twente, 1-0 and losing Aalborg, 1-2.
The opponents have played four head-to-heads in their history. One of these matches ended with a draw and four times Ukrainian side celebrated a triumph. Shakhtar is more skilled side and they are getting solid conditions for the start in domestic league and eurocups and appear to be favorites for the matchup.
Prediction for the match: Shakhtar to win.