The upcoming clash between Shakhtar Donetsk and Besiktas on July 31, 2025, holds significant implications in the UEFA Europa League qualifiers. Shakhtar, showcasing a more cohesive tactical setup and stronger recent results, appears poised to leverage their offensive firepower and pressing game. Besiktas's recent struggles and defensive vulnerabilities could be exploited, especially if Shakhtar applies consistent pressure from the outset. Tactical formations will be crucial, with Shakhtar's disciplined 4-1-4-1 potentially overpowering Besiktas's 4-2-3-1, which relies heavily on counters. Expect an open game with chances for both sides, but a slight edge in possession and control should favor the Ukrainians.
Check out our complete thoughts below.
These are our top betting tips and predictions for the match.
Shakhtar Donetsk is favored with an Asian Handicap of -1.25 at odds of 3.10, indicating confidence in their ability to win comfortably. The over/under bets suggest moderate scoring with over 2.5 goals at 1.53. These insights support a prediction of a Shakhtar victory and a goal-heavy match, likely exceeding +2.5 goals.
A likely scenario is Shakhtar leading at halftime and maintaining their advantage to the full-time whistle, supported by their strong recent performances and tactical discipline.
Expect moderate to high scoring, with over 2.5 goals at 1.53 and over 3.5 at 2.20 indicating a match with a realistic potential for multiple goals.
Both teams score chances are high, with odds favoring Yes at 1.50, making both teams to score a viable option considering the offensive threats each side possesses.
Shakhtar Donetsk is favored to beat Besiktas in their UEFA Europa League encounter on July 31, 2025, owing to their superior recent form, tactical strength, and offensive capability, with a forecasted scoreline of 2-1 supporting their dominance.
In their last encounter on April 24, 2025, Shakhtar Donetsk secured a 4-2 victory over Besiktas, highlighting their offensive potency and consistent dominance in head-to-head matchups.
Injury updates are pending, but Shakhtar’s squad is relatively intact, while Besiktas may be missing key defenders, possibly affecting their defensive solidity.
Expected formations: Shakhtar likely lines up in a 4-1-4-1, focusing on midfield control and rapid attacks, while Besiktas may deploy a 4-2-3-1, prioritizing a solid midfield and counter-strategies.
Shakhtar's current form is impressive, with three wins in their last five games, emphasizing their attacking prowess and disciplined defense. Besiktas's form is poor, with just one recent loss and issues in defensive stability, making them the underdogs.
See below all the main information for this match.
The match is scheduled for July 31, 2025, at Stadion Miejski in Kraków, and it features Shakhtar Donetsk against Besiktas, with the Ukrainian team widely favored to win based on recent form and historical performance.
Both teams have recent international experience, but Shakhtar Donetsk has shown a slightly higher form in their last five games, winning 78% of their recent fixtures compared to Besiktas's poor recent run with a 0% form score.
Considering the betting odds and recent history, Shakhtar Donetsk is likely to secure a victory, especially with a predicted scoreline of 2-1, supporting their offensive form and stronger recent results.
Key absences or tactical formations are not confirmed yet, but Shakhtar might deploy a 4-1-4-1 formation focusing on balanced attack and defense, while Besiktas could line up in a 4-2-3-1 with emphasis on counter-attacking football.
