RB Leipzig v Shakhtar: Back Nkunku to get Germans off to a flyer

RB Leipzig 1.222/9 v Shakhtar 14.527/2; The Draw 6.86/1
Tuesday 6 September, 20:00
Live on BT Sport Extra

Door open for Leipzig to make the last-16

RB Leipzig will be looking to get off to a flying start in Group F, when they host Shakhtar.

The Champions League holders Real Madrid are expected to win the group, but second place is very much up for grabs between Leipzig, Shakhtar and Celtic. Having been drawn alongside Manchester City and PSG last season, this looks very much like an opportunity for Leipzig to progress, but their current form suggests that they may struggle to capitalise.

Domenico Tedesco's team lost 4-0 at Eintracht Frankfurt at the weekend and have only won one of their five Bundesliga games this season (D2 L2). Yet one Leipzig player who is in form is Christopher Nkunku, with the French forward scoring six goals from as many games across all competitions this season.

Shakhtar are usually a cosmopolitan side, but the war in the Ukraine has seen the vast majority of their foreign players depart. The domestic season in Ukraine is three games old, with Shakhtar currently second after making an unbeaten start (W2 D1).

Ignore result and back in-form forward

RB Leipzig are short-priced favourites at 1.222/9, ahead of the draw at 6.86/1 and Shakhtar at 14.527/2.

While it's right that Leipzig should be favoured given their home advantage and the issues impacting Shakhtar, their odds hold little appeal at a time when they are struggling for form. If you did want to back the hosts, combining a home win with both teams to score at 2.68/5 could be the way to go, with Leipzig conceding in four of their five Bundesliga games.

My money will be going on Nkunku to open the scoring at 4.03/1. He's already hit form, after scoring 35 times last season. This tally included seven goals in the Champions League, from six appearances.