Soccer Champions League 09/17 Play: Athletic Bilbao vs. Shakhtar Donetsk

Soccer Pick #5: Athletic Bilbao vs. Shakhtar Donetsk
Rating: 3 units - Single Dime Play
Pick: Over 2.25 Goals @ -125 / 1.80 on Pinnacle Sports (OR -127 / 1.78 on 5 Dimes)
Detailed Write Up:

Like Benfica vs. Zenit from yesterday, I expect this contest to be wide open with both teams bringing a pro-active mindset to the field. The problem yesterday was that Benfica’s GK was sent off early on the game and this fact alone changed completely the dynamic of the game.

The Spanish team at home is a tough team to beat while their fanatic fans are a factor to intimidate the opposing teams. Bilbao plays an aggressive fast forward style of football so this contest will be fun to watch. I think that they are capable to score at least one goal in here. However, I also expect Shakhtar Donetsk to create some damage on the offensive end. The turmoil in Ukraine is indeed a factor, but note that the majority of the players of this team are Brazilians eager to shine in the Champions League… They want to departure from Ukraine and the Champions League is a great spot for them to “show” their skills…fortunately, they are all great technician players (Luiz Adriano, Taison, Alex Teixeira and Douglas Costa)!

Both teams will play w/ offensive mindset, both have quality on the front and therefore, I’m taking the OVER in here.