Shakhtar Donetsk vs AZ Alkmaar Predictions

•  Shakhtar Donetsk have won four of their last five home games
• AZ have lost four of their last five away games
• AZ have lost three of their last five away Conference League games

Turan’s troops can secure first-leg lead

Shakhtar Donetsk are playable to win Thursday’s ‘home’ UEFA Conference League quarter-final against an AZ side that have struggled on the road of late. The match is, of course, being played in Poland but there is a strong possibility that the Krakow venue will be packed out by Shakhtar’s expatriate support.

Arda Turan’s side have won four of their last five home games with the only defeat during that run coming against Polish club Lech, who needed to win by three clear goals and could only manage a 2-1 scoreline.

If the Ukrainians are to progress from this tie, they are going to have to do it the hard way as they face an arduous travel schedule of almost 5200km in the next 14 days — 2400 of which are only possible by bus.

AZ have lost their way on the road

The run of games is likely to make or break their campaign but there is no doubting the talent of Turan’s best side, which features a host of Brazilians destined for big futures. Winger Alisson is arguably the pick of the bunch but striker Kaua Elias is a a major prospect too.

They could overpower AZ in this first leg and will look to establish a significant lead in the tie. The Alkmaar club bounced back from a 3-0 loss in Groningen by beating Fortuna Sittard 2-0 at home.

Their away form, which also includes losses to Utrecht and FC Noah, leaves a lot to be desired and they should be opposed on Thursday evening.