By Ethan Barlow

Despite winning just five of their last 25 Scottish Premiership fixtures, Aberdeen find themselves in UEFA League Phase competition for the first time.  

Since their unexpected Scottish Cup final triumph over Celtic, The Dons haven’t netted a goal in over 10 hours of play against Scottish Premiership opposition, managing just a single league point in the process.  

This evening, Pittodrie welcomes 16-time Ukrainian Premier League champions Shakhtar Donetsk, to the Granite City.  

The 2009 Europa League winners have claimed seven of the last nine domestic titles and despite an uncharacteristic third place finish last campaign, British Ukranian journalist, Andrew Todos ensures they’re still favourites, this time around: “They’re currently top and seem to be the ‘fittest’ side in the division after coach Arda Turan has instilled a strict training regimen and a heavy preseason, focused on conditioning and fitness.” 

Before finding themselves in the Europa Conference League for the first time, Shakhtar had qualified for the Champions League in 14 of the last 15 editions. This summer, two legged victories over Besiktas and Servette fell either side of Europa League elimination at the hands of familiar Scottish foes Panathinaikos, on penalties.  

Todos spoke on the former Barcelona midfielder’s team and how they’ve performed on the continent this campaign: “Lots of intensity and pressing. But struggled to score in the final stages. Let’s see if that’s been resolved with the new young Brazilians in attack and form of the team in the domestic league.” 

Shakhtar have built an excellent transfer model through trading Brazilian players, which has been successful for over two decades. Excluding the club’s record sale of Mykhalo Mudryk to Chelsea, six of their seven greatest sales are Brazilian internationals. Including: Fred, Alex Teixeira, Fernandinho, Willian, Douglas Costa and the recent exit of Fulham record purchase, Kevin.  

Along with the winger who left for over £30 million, highly touted Ukrainian midfield Georgiy Sudakov made his move to Benfica. 

Todos spoke on the two players’ departures and how it may affect Turan’s side: “Both players leaving is a big blow to the team. Both were hugely influential going forward. However, they’ve signed a number of very young Brazilians who are seen as new protégés/replacements. Isaque and Luca Mereilles, in particular, are expected to feature against Aberdeen.” 

As Champions League regulars the Donetsk side are expected to go far in this season’s competition. “Shakhtar are in the top 5/6 favourites to win the entire tournament as per the bookies and I’d probably agree with that. So if they’re hoping to make the quarters or semis – then they should be getting past sides like Aberdeen. 

“They’re certainly expected to get a positive result from this game. Aberdeen starting the domestic campaign in such underwhelming fashion obviously adds to that. More so that Shakhtar have been doing quite well themselves this past month after a bit of a shaky start amidst UEL and Conference League qualifying rounds.” 

Andrew Todos’ Predicted Shakhtar Donetsk Lineup:  

Within the expected starting eleven, Todos hinted at the individuals Thelin and his players need to be extra weary of: “Isaque and Meirelles as mentioned previously. Can add Pedrinho in there too – LW/RW who’s come into his own this campaign after returning last summer. Taking on the creative berth that was left by Kevin.” 

Aberdeen face a massive task to claim their first big win of the season. Jimmy Thelin will not be judged too heavily on this match, but a positive result will relieve a lot of pressure ahead of welcoming Dundee on Sunday.