Shakhtar Donetsk vs AZ Alkmaar: prediction, H2H and probable lineups — 09.04.2026
One of the quarter-final matches of the Conference League will be played this Thursday in Poland, where Shakhtar Donetsk will host AZ Alkmaar. The Ukrainian side comes into the game in excellent form after a string of victories, while the Dutch outfit is banking on European glory and showing balanced football with a solid defense and an efficient attack. I suggest betting on goals in this matchup, as the chances of success look promising.
Match preview
Since the winter break, Shakhtar have looked like a team that knows exactly what it wants and is confidently moving toward its goals. Six wins in seven matches is a testament not only to their form but also to their inner stability. In their last league game, the Miners cruised past Rukh (3-0), and in the Conference League, despite tough encounters with Lech, managed to advance and keep their tournament ambitions alive.
However, there’s an interesting nuance: in European competitions, Shakhtar don’t always fully capitalize on their home advantage. Despite generally having a solid defense (five clean sheets in six home matches), their Conference League results have been more restrained. This suggests that Arda Turan’s side may take a pragmatic approach in the first leg.
AZ Alkmaar approach this game with a clear focus on European success. Their domestic form is inconsistent — just two wins in their last five league matches — but in the Conference League, the Alkmaar side look as focused as ever. Recent victories over Sparta (2-1 and 4-0) and a rout of Noah (4-0) confirm that this team knows how to step up when it matters most.
The visitors’ balance is worth highlighting. AZ combine a reliable defense with clinical finishing: in five of their last seven matches in the competition, they’ve kept a clean sheet, while consistently creating and converting chances. Even the suspension of Jensen is a blow, but given the squad depth, it’s far from critical.
Probable lineups
- Shakhtar Donetsk: Riznyk, Marlon, Bondar, Pedrinho, Konoplia, Nazaryna, Nevertton, Ocheretko, Pedrinho, Santana, Elias.
- AZ Alkmaar: Zoet, Goes, Penetra, Casious, de Wit, Clasie, Smit, Dijkstra, Meijnans, Patati, Parrott.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Shakhtar have won six of their last seven matches, including a 3-0 victory over Rukh
- AZ defeated Fortuna 2-0 in the league and are on a strong run in the Conference League
- AZ have kept a clean sheet in five of their last seven Conference League games
Prediction
This match promises to be tactically cautious, especially given it’s the first leg. Shakhtar are in great form but tend to play more conservatively in European competitions, rarely taking unnecessary risks. AZ, in turn, are comfortable in such scenarios — they know how to play on the counter and punish mistakes. Given the balance of strengths and styles, a draw with a low number of goals looks the most logical outcome.
