Shakhtar Donetsk vs AZ – News and Probable Lineups

After narrowly escaping a ‘home’ defeat in the last round, Shakhtar Donetsk must avoid a similar outcome as they face AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of their Conference League quarter-final.

Although they faced a setback at their chosen venue during the return leg of their last-16 clash against Lech Poznan, the Miners advanced with a 4-3 aggregate score. In contrast, the Cheese Farmers handled Sparta Prague with ease, winning both encounters to progress.

Match overview

Shakhtar should be commended for making it to this phase in their first Conference League venture, particularly since all their ‘home’ matches have been held at the Synerise Arena, where the usual stronghold advantage was lacking in the last 16.

Competing against Lech posed a heightened level of challenge for the Miners, as the Polish side effectively played both fixtures at home, and the tie almost slipped away from the Ukrainian side despite a 3-1 ‘away’ win in their initial meeting in Poznan.

The second leg in Krakow featured the ‘visitors’ going up two-nil before halftime, but an own goal by Joao Moutinho in the second half led to a 2-1 defeat for Shakhtar, which was still enough to secure their progression on aggregate.

This second-leg defeat marked a concerning trend for the Miners, who have secured only one victory in their last six designated home matches in European competitions (D2, L3). Another setback on Thursday would place the Donetsk club in a difficult position in their pursuit of a first continental semi-final in six years.

Nevertheless, Arda Turan’s squad enters this fixture with momentum, having claimed six victories in their last seven competitive matches (L1). Their most recent performance included a dominating 3-0 win over Rukh Lviv, putting Shakhtar in second place in the Ukrainian top-flight standings.

AZ also approaches this match in excellent form, having achieved a 2-0 victory against Fortuna Sittard, thanks to early quick-fire goals from Mexx Meerdink and Sven Mijnans. This result places the Cheese Farmers in sixth position in the Eredivisie table and extends their solid run of results.

Lee-Roy Echteld’s squad has secured victories in four of their last five outings (L1), with two of those victories occurring in their round-of-16 matchup against Sparta, where they triumphed 2-1 in Alkmaar before thrashing them 4-0 in Prague.

This success marks AZ’s seventh European quarter-final appearance and their second in the Conference League, having previously reached this stage in the 2022-23 season, when they were eliminated by eventual champions West Ham United in the semi-finals.

A favorable head-to-head history against Shakhtar provides the Alkmaar side with confidence as they head into Thursday’s first-leg match, having won both of their prior competitive meetings, which took place in the 2004-05 UEFA Cup round of 16.

However, AZ’s recent away form raises doubts about their ability to secure another positive result here, as they have suffered defeats in four of their last five away encounters (W1), with three of those losses coming in matches where they failed to find the net.

Team News

Shakhtar will need to adjust their starting XI from the previous European match, as Alaa Ghram received a red card for a second yellow and is thus unavailable for this match.

Nonetheless, the absence should not raise too much concern, as Valeriy Bondar – the player Ghram replaced in defense during that last encounter – is now available again after serving his suspension.

On the injury front, Shakhtar are expected to remain without long-term absentee Danylo Udod, while Dmytro Kryskiv and Marlon Gomes are uncertain for Thursday’s meeting, along with Prosper Obah, who had to exit the previous game early.

Lassina Traore played the leading role in Saturday’s success against Rukh, but Kaua Elias may take over in attack for this fixture – similar to his role in the last round – with the Brazilian striker currently topping the squad’s goal tally with 11 this season.

AZ’s number-nine spot is also anticipated to see a modification, with Troy Parrott likely returning to reclaim the role after coming off the bench last time. The Irish forward will look to deliver another outstanding knockout performance, having contributed to four goals in the previous round.

In terms of injury concerns, Jizz Hornkamp (ankle), Peer Koopmeiners (calf), and Ro-Zangelo Daal (hamstring) will remain sidelined, while Isak Steiner Jensen is suspended for Thursday due to getting too many yellow cards.

Shakhtar Donetsk probable starting XI:

Riznyk; Konoplia, V Bondar, Marlon, Henrique; Nazarina; Alisson, Pedrinho, Ocheretko, Palmares; Elias

AZ Alkmaar probable starting XI:

Sweet; Kasius, Goes, Penetra, De Wit; Clasie, Smith; Dijkstra, Mijnans, Patati; Parrott

Shakhtar’s chosen home venue in Krakow has not consistently provided the fortress atmosphere expected, which is reflected in their varied performance at the site.

Meanwhile, AZ’s recent struggles away from home suggest that the tie may not be straightforward for the Alkmaar team, and therefore, a balanced match is anticipated, possibly resulting in a score draw.