PSV vs Shakhtar Donetsk 10 September 2026 Prediction

Both teams enter this matchup in good form. PSV and Shakhtar have each played five domestic league matches, winning four. This will be their second Champions League meeting. Their first came in the 2024/25 season, when Shakhtar lost 3-2 in Eindhoven despite holding a two-goal lead until the 87th minute.

PSV's Attack Makes Up for Defensive Issues

PSV made a poor start to the season, losing 4-0 to AZ in the Dutch Super Cup before opening its league campaign with a surprising 2-2 home draw against Fortuna Sittard. The team quickly recovered, winning its next four matches by a combined score of 16-4. The most significant result was a 3-1 road win over Ajax just before the start of the Champions League.

PSV continues to prioritize attacking soccer, but the scoring is not dependent on one player. The team has scored 18 goals this season, with 11 different players finding the net. Ricardo Pepi leads the club with three goals. Injuries to Dennis Man, Sami Ouaissa, and Alassane Pléa have not had a major effect on PSV's attacking output.

PSV's aggressive approach helps offset its defensive issues. Peter Bosz's team has failed to keep a clean sheet in all six matches this season, conceding 10 goals. Its Champions League defensive record is also poor, with the club allowing at least one goal in 16 consecutive matches in the competition.

Shakhtar Has Yet to Face Strong Opposition

Shakhtar opened the season with three straight Ukrainian league wins, beating Kudrivka 5-1, Epitsentr 2-0, and Kharkiv 1-0. It then suffered an unexpected 2-0 home loss to Polissya, which moved ahead of Shakhtar in the standings and dropped Arda Turan's team to second place. Shakhtar returned to winning form before the trip to Eindhoven, edging Karpaty 2-1 on the road.

Shakhtar has faced only Ukrainian opposition this season, making it difficult to assess whether the team is ready for Champions League competition. Its recent record in Europe's top club tournament is also modest, as Shakhtar has failed to reach the knockout stage in each of the past seven seasons.

Arda Turan will not have a full squad available for the Champions League opener. Winger Eguinaldo, who recorded nine goals and three assists in 27 appearances last season, remains out with a long-term injury. Pedrinho, who had nine goals and 10 assists in 38 games, is also doubtful. However, Alisson and Elias are in good form, combining for five goals and two assists in the current Ukrainian league campaign.

PSV vs Shakhtar Predicted Lineup

PSV (4-5-1): Kovář – Dest, Obispo, Geertruida, Kostić – Til, Sano, Perišić, Fernandes, Van Bommel – Pepi

Unavailable: Man, Ouaissa, Sildillia, Pléa (all injured), Mauro Júnior (suspended), Lammers (doubtful), Schouten (not in squad)

Manager: Peter Bosz

Shakhtar (4-3-3): Riznyk – Tobias, Bondar, Matviyenko, Pedro Henrique – Nazaryna, Ocheretko, Marlon Gomes – Alisson, Newerton, Elias

Unavailable: Marlon Santos (injured), Fesiun (illness), Pedrinho (doubtful), Eguinaldo (not in squad)

Manager: Arda Turan

PSV vs Shakhtar Prediction: Shakhtar Handicap +1.5

Main prediction: Home-field advantage does not make PSV a clear favorite here. The club has already dropped points twice at home this season, losing 4-0 to AZ in the Dutch Super Cup and drawing 2-2 with Fortuna Sittard in the league. PSV has also failed to win by more than one goal in seven of its last eight Champions League home matches, losing four of those games. Shakhtar, meanwhile, has won all three of its league road matches this season and covered a +1.5 handicap in eight of its last 10 Champions League away games. The main selection is Shakhtar +1.5 at 1.75.

Goals prediction: Both teams should have opportunities to score. PSV has recorded 18 goals in six matches this season and has scored in 16 consecutive Champions League home games. Shakhtar has 10 league goals this season and has found the net in six straight European matches. Both teams have scored in each of PSV's last eight Champions League home fixtures. The additional pick is both teams to score: yes at 1.65.