UEFA Conference League Preview: FC Shakhtar Donetsk VS AZ Alkmaar - prediction, team news, lineups

[(FC Shakhtar Donetsk) Strength]:
1. Shakhtar Donetsk advanced to the UEFA Conference League quarter-finals by eliminating Polish team Lech Poznan with a 4-3 aggregate score in the previous round.
2. Shakhtar Donetsk secured a 3-0 victory over Rukh Lviv in last weekend's league match, winning 8 out of their last 9 matches across all competitions.
 

[(FC Shakhtar Donetsk) Neutral]:
1. In the previous round of the UEFA Conference League, both matches involving Shakhtar Donetsk featured BTTS.
2. Shakhtar Donetsk's last two matches have both featured over 2.5 goals.
 

[(FC Shakhtar Donetsk) Weakness]:
1. The first leg will be played in Krakow, Poland, meaning Shakhtar Donetsk will not have a true home advantage.
2. Shakhtar Donetsk have only won one of their last three matches in terms of game data, indicating a generally average trend in their recent performances.
 

[(AZ Alkmaar) Strength]:
1. AZ Alkmaar easily advanced to the next round of the UEFA Conference League by eliminating Czech team AC Sparta Prague with a 6-1 aggregate score.
2. AZ Alkmaar secured a 2-0 victory over Fortuna Sittard in last weekend's league match, winning four out of their last five matches across all competitions.
3. AZ Alkmaar have remained unbeaten in their last three encounters against Shakhtar Donetsk, giving the Dutch team a historical advantage.
4. AZ Alkmaar have won five out of their last six matches in terms of game data, showing a relatively solid trend in their recent performances.
 

[(AZ Alkmaar) Neutral]:
1. AZ Alkmaar currently rank sixth in the Eredivisie, placing them in a European qualification spot.
 

[(AZ Alkmaar) Weakness]:
1. AZ Alkmaar have lost three out of their last four away matches, indicating inconsistent performance on the road recently.
 

[Tips]:
Shakhtar Donetsk delivered a dominant performance in their last match with a 3-0 victory, showcasing strong control in both offense and defense. They have won 8 out of their last 9 matches across all competitions. Facing a Dutch team in the first leg, they remain confident in their ability to perform. AZ Alkmaar demonstrated impressive strength in the previous round of the UEFA Conference League, easily advancing against formidable AC Sparta Prague, including a 4-0 away win in the second leg. Considering the current handicap, this match suggests focusing on AZ Alkmaar's chances of remaining unbeaten.
 

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