Out of all of the Champions League Round of 16 fixtures, this one might be one of the underemphasised games. However, if either of these teams play like they did in the group stages, we could be in for quite an exciting tie.
Shakhtar Donetsk really made a statement in their Champions League group stage by pulling out a second place finish ahead of Napoli. In the group stages, Shakhtar shocked the world twice, once when they beat Napoli 2-1 at home and then again when they kept the same score line against Man City. Such impressive performances will surely give them high expectations as they move into the Round of 16 against an opponent who also had a very strong group stages.
Roma had a very difficult task of getting out of their group being matched up against Chelsea and Atletico Madrid. After coming back to draw with Chelsea 3-3 at Stamford Bridge and then beating 3-0 at home, they produced favourable enough results against the rest of the group to finish first. This means the second leg of this Round of 16 match will be a home game for them.
Shakhtar have a very impressive recent home European record with 10 wins and 2 draws in their last 13 games. With a strong attacking force between Brazilians Fred and Taison, the Pitmen are going to be difficult to beat at home.
Roma have not been very strong on the road this season aside from the 3-3 thriller at Stamford Bridge. This does not mean the Serie A side won’t be able to put up a good fight though. They are a strong side who were able to keep hold of main attacking threats Dzeko and El Shaarawy in January.
I find this first leg to be in favour of the home team, which is reflected in the Champions League betting odds, and will predict Shakhtar to win 2-1 like they did in their previous two home European games.