On Thursday, 16th April 2026, AZ Alkmaar host Shakhtar Donetsk in UEFA Conference League. We recommend over 1.5 goals as the standout selection.

AZ Alkmaar arrive showing mixed form, having recorded 6 wins, 0 draws and 4 defeats from their last 10 outings.

Shakhtar Donetsk are travelling well, with a record of 8W 1D 1L across 10 matches.

Historical meetings favour AZ Alkmaar, who lead the head-to-head with 2 wins to Shakhtar Donetsk's 1, with 1 draws from 4 encounters. Both teams have scored in 75% of those meetings.

Our verdict: over 1.5 goals at odds of 1.16 represents the most compelling value in this fixture.

If you want to actually win your bets and grow your bankroll, you have to treat this UEFA Conference League game like a math problem rather than a fan experience. Leaving your personal emotions completely out of the decision-making process is step one. The home team’s long-term form gives us a solid starting point for expectations, but the real secrets are always hiding in their recent matches.

Looking closely at their last few games shows us exactly how sharp they are up front right now, and whether their backline is actually organized or making silly mistakes. The visitors require a totally different kind of breakdown. We have to look at their entire season as a whole and compare it to their recent form to spot any big mistakes the oddsmakers might have made when setting the lines.

Do not forget to look at how these teams play against each other, either. Sometimes one team just has the other’s number, and past matchups prove it time and time again. Putting that rich history together with today’s immediate form points us straight to the best possible bet on the board.

Right now, taking Over 1.5 is the smartest money you can play, especially when you lock it in at @1.16. After kickoff, the talking stops and the final score will prove if we read the stats right. Make sure to browse the rest of our daily picks before you finalize your slips.