The semi-finals are just one game away, with kick-off at 03:45 AEST on Friday, April 17. Will the Ukrainians hold out, or will the Dutch side produce a potential miracle?

Quick Picks

Our pick: Shakhtar to win

Value bet: Over 2.5 Goals

Long shot: Shakhtar to win 2-1

Betting Preview

Arda Turan's side edged the first leg in terms of key statistics, including the scoreline. AZ would have felt they were still in the tie until the final 20 minutes, when the hosts carved them up and were prolific with the ball.

Pedrinho scored the first of the game with 72 minutes played, before a two-minute double by Alisson Santana in the final 10 minutes of the game put the Eredivisie side on the back foot.

Shakhtar had 12 shots, with six of them on target. AZ had 11, with three of theirs working the goalkeeper. Shakhtar had most of the ball, claiming 53% of possession.

It perhaps wasn't surprising that Shakhtar managed to score as many as they did; they had netted 14 goals across eight games heading into this one. It shouldn't have been a surprise that they kept a clean sheet, as they had three in the Group Phase. Still, the Dutch side haven't exactly struggled with goals recently. AZ had seven goals scored and seven conceded in the League Phase, but they scored 10 and conceded twice in the two knockout games prior to last week's first leg.

Betting Markets to Watch

With the goals noted, we think there's going to be value in the BTTS hitting. AZ have to go out and attack immediately if they are to have any chance, while Shakhtar have shown that they are willing to approach games in an attacking way.

By extension, we think there's going to be value in the 'Over 2.5 goals' market once again. Four of AZ's last five have seen this number surpassed, while three of Shakhtar's last four have hit.

Troy Parrott offers value as an anytime goalscorer for AZ, as he has recently returned to goalscoring form. He may not have had the best of games before being substituted in the first leg, but he tends to produce when playing at home. He netted twice at home against Sparta Praha in the last round.

Our Prediction

Check the latest AZ Alkmaar vs Shakhtar betting odds at Sportsbet.

AZ are considered favourites to win this game, but our prediction is for a Shakhtar likely win. We think the Ukrainians offer value as underdogs, as they have been exceptional in European competition this season. If you're new to Conference League betting, this match offers a good example of finding value in perceived underdogs.

As such, we think a Shakhtar 2-1 victory offers long shot value in the correct score market. For those looking to explore more soccer betting odds, this quarter-final tie is one of the more intriguing fixtures of the week.