PSV Eindhoven will host Shakhtar Donetsk in their opening match of the Champions League at Philips Stadion on September 10. PSV enters the match with a strong performance in the Eredivisie, having recently defeated Ajax 3-1, showcasing their attacking prowess. However, they must be wary of Shakhtar, who have a history of causing upsets.

PSV's recent form is commendable, remaining unbeaten with four wins and one draw in their last five league matches, scoring a total of 18 goals. Their last two matches were particularly impressive, with a 6-1 victory over Utrecht followed by the win against Ajax. This attacking strength is not reliant on a single player, as contributions have come from Ricardo Pepi, Lutsharel Geertruida, and Esmir Bajraktarević. Nevertheless, coach Peter Bosz faces challenges with injuries affecting key players like Jerdy Schouten and Mauro Júnior, the latter suspended for this match.

On the other hand, Shakhtar Donetsk has also started their season positively in Ukraine, winning three of their first four matches before suffering a surprising defeat to Polissya. They bounced back with a 2-1 victory over Karpaty, accumulating 12 points from five matches. Shakhtar has scored eight goals while conceding three, with Kaua Elias emerging as a key player, netting three goals. The team's strength lies in their quick transitions, bolstered by a squad featuring several Brazilian players known for their speed and technical skills.

Historically, matches between these two teams have been thrilling. In their last encounter in Eindhoven, Shakhtar led 2-0 until the 87th minute, only for PSV to stage a remarkable comeback, winning 3-2. This history adds an extra layer of intensity to the upcoming match, despite changes in both squads since then.

PSV is favored due to their home advantage and current form, but Shakhtar's speed and experience in the Champions League make them a formidable opponent. The most likely scenario is that PSV will dominate possession and create more chances, aiming for victory, but it will not be an easy task.

In terms of team news, PSV will miss several players due to injuries and suspensions, while Shakhtar will also be without key individuals. The expected line-ups indicate a tactical battle, with PSV aiming to control the game and Shakhtar looking to exploit counter-attacking opportunities.

Overall, while PSV is expected to perform well at home, Shakhtar's capabilities should not be underestimated. A close match is anticipated, with a predicted scoreline of PSV 2-1 Shakhtar Donetsk.