Welcome to Extratips, where today we’re diving into the upcoming Europa League clash between Shakhtar Donetsk and Besiktas, kicking off on July 31st at 18:00. Both teams have battled to a goalless draw in their recent meeting, and the stakes are high here. The odds from bet365 show the home team slightly favoured at 2.45, with the visitors close behind at 2.62; a draw sits at 3.60. Currently, neither team has a standout position in a league standings context, but both will be eager for a win to boost confidence. Looking at their head-to-head, both sides have struggled to find the net, ending in 0-0 draws over their last meetings. Shakhtar’s last five matches include some tight wins and draws, demonstrating their resilience but also their struggle to score freely. Besiktas has shown solid form in Turkey, winning the majority of their recent away games, though they too haven’t clicked offensively every time. The key strength for Shakhtar is their disciplined midfield, but they lack sharpness upfront. Besiktas’s solid defence is their usual edge, yet their attack can be unpredictable. Injuries and tactical tweaks could sway this match, especially as both teams push for a first-leg advantage. With that in mind, expect a cautious start, possibly ending in a low-scoring draw. Here are three insights: a tight 1-1 draw, a cautious 1-0 home win, or an away win with both to score remain all plausible. Let's see how these unfold—football’s never boring!