Shakhtar Donetsk vs AZ Prediction: Goals on the cards

Shakhtar Donetsk have had a solid Conference League campaign thus far, finishing sixth in the league phase before getting the better of Lech Poznan 4-3 on aggregate in the round of 16.

They face a tough challenge in this quarter-final, however, as they take on AZ Alkmaar, who reached the Conference League semi-finals back in 2022/23. Read on for my Shakhtar Donetsk vs AZ predictions.

Team News

Alaa Ghram is suspended for Shakhtar Donetsk and is likely to be replaced at the back by a player returning from a ban himself, Valeriy Bondar.

Long-term absentee Danylo Udod remains out for the Ukrainians while Prosper Obah, Marlon Gomes and Dmytro Kryskiv are doubts.

For AZ, they will be without Jizz Hornkamp, Peer Koopmeiners and Ro-Zangelo Daal through injury, while Isak Steiner Jensen is suspended.

Troy Parrott should return to lead the line after being rested for their win over Fortuna Sittard at the weekend.

Shakhtar Donetsk vs AZ Odds

Both these teams are priced at 8/5 to secure a first-leg advantage with the draw available at 5/2.

Over 2.5 goals is 8/11 while both teams to score is priced up at 8/13 and it is 6/4 for over 1.5 goals in the first half.

Bet Builder - Both teams to score & over 2.5 goals @ 1/1

AZ Alkmaar were impressive 6-1 aggregate winners over Sparta Prague in the last 16, following on from their 4-1 aggregate success over FC Noah in the knockout play-offs, and the Dutch side look set for another entertaining affair when they face Shakhtar Donetsk.

Five of Shakhtar’s last nine European games have seen both teams score in a game which has produced three or more goals and a repeat of that looks likely in this first leg.

Both teams are riding high, Shakhtar have won six of their last seven games while AZ have been victorious in nine of their previous 14.

Considering the attacking talents on display for both teams, a game in which they both find the net and over 2.5 goals lands looks likely.

Troy Parrott anytime goalscorer @ 11/8

Troy Parrott has been a real standout for AZ Alkmaar this season, with 28 goals in 42 games for the Dutch side.

The Irishman was given a rest for their weekend win over Fortuna Sittard following a disappointing international break which saw him miss out on a place at this summer's World Cup with the Republic of Ireland.

Parrott scored twice in the Conference League round of 16 and looks a tempting price to find the net once more.

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