Hamrun vs Shakhtar Donetsk prediction: EUROPE: Conference League – League phase betting tips on match 2025-12-10 20:00.
[p]Shakhtar Donetsk could edge closer to play-off confirmation in the UEFA Conference League when they face a buoyant Ħamrun Spartans side on cloud nine after an historic win last month.[/p]
[p]Match News and Current Form[/p]
[p]Ħamrun beat Lincoln Red Imps 3-1 on matchday four to earn their first-ever victory in the Conference League main draw and keep their play-off hopes alive. The Knives have already made history as the first Maltese club to reach the group/league phase of a UEFA competition and can improve their chances of progression by building on their recent run of five wins in seven games across all competitions (L2). While they are unbeaten at home domestically this season, they have suffered three defeats on their own turf in Europe during that same timeframe, underlining how difficult it is to achieve continental success.[/p]
[p]Shakhtar drew two consecutive domestic matches last week, ending a five-game winning run in all competitions as they slipped to second in the Ukrainian Premier League standings. The visitors are well placed in the Conference League ahead of this round of fixtures, with three victories (L1) keeping them a point behind Samsunspor and Strasbourg, who are already assured of at least a knockout play-off spot. The Miners will join them with a win here, but have been inconsistent in their last five competitive away games (W2, D2, L1), although four victories from their last five European trips (D1) suggests that they have what it takes to secure the points here.[/p]
[p]Head-to-Head History[/p]
[p]These teams have never previously met. Ħamrun have lost their only two previous matches against Ukrainian clubs, while Shakhtar boast a 100% winning record (W2) against Maltese sides.[/p]
[p]Hot Stats and Streaks[/p]
[p]Only three of Ħamrun’s last 17 matches have seen both teams score.[/p]
[p]The last six goals in Ħamrun’s Conference League games have all come after half-time.[/p]
[p]Shakhtar have scored 2+ goals in six of their last seven matches.[/p]
[p]Only three of Shakhtar’s last eight away games have seen both teams score.[/p]
[p]Key Players to Watch and Missing Players[/p]
[p]N’Dri Philippe Koffi assisted Ħamrun’s equaliser during their comeback victory over Lincoln Red Imps and could score late on here, as three of his four goals this season have arrived after the 70th minute. Kauã Elias has contributed to five goals in his last six club games (G3, A2) and four of his last five strikes have come in wins to nil for Shakhtar (W3).[/p]
[p]Vincenzo Polito is suspended for Ħamrun after his red card against Lincoln Red Imps, while Shakhtar seemingly have no fresh absentees.[/p]
[p]For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.[/p]
[p]Betting Analysis[/p]
[p]Ħamrun have struggled for goals in Europe while Shakhtar kept five clean sheets in their last eight away trips, so backing Shakhtar to win to nil here seems sensible.[/p]
[p][i]Author: Sridhar Bhamidi[/i][/p]