April 16th: Thursday’s European Double – Betting Tips and Predictions

Thursday brings another packed schedule of European football, with the Europa League and Europa Conference League semi-final spots up for grabs. As the action unfolds, we highlight key betting opportunities for the evening’s fixtures.

**17:45 AZ Alkmaar vs Shakhtar Donetsk**

AZ Alkmaar’s Europa Conference League hopes are in jeopardy after a disastrous 3-0 first-leg defeat in Poland last week. Despite the setback, Lee-Roy Echteld’s side bounced back with a 3-0 domestic win over Heerenveen and will aim to replicate that form at home. AZ boasts an impressive seven-game winning streak at home, including a 2-1 victory over Sparta Prague in the competition last month.

Shakhtar Donetsk, meanwhile, delivered a dominant 3-0 first-leg performance and are now eyeing a semi-final berth. Despite a 2-2 draw against LNZ Cherkasy in domestic play, the Ukrainian side has scored eight goals in their last three matches. Shakhtar’s recent games have been high-scoring, with five of their last six fixtures featuring over 2.5 goals.

**Betting Tip:** AZ Alkmaar win & Both teams to score @ 11/4 with Pribet.

**20:00 Aston Villa vs Bologna**

Aston Villa, despite a 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest, made a strong European statement with a 3-1 first-leg win over Bologna. Unai Emery’s side, unbeaten in their last two home games, remains a top contender in the Europa League after a 4-0 aggregate victory over Lille in the previous round.

Bologna kept their slim Europa League hopes alive with a 2-0 win over Lecce but face an uphill battle after their first-leg defeat. Vincenzo Italiano’s team, however, has been formidable on the road, winning their last seven away matches since a January loss to Genoa.

**Betting Tip:** Both teams to score @ 19/20 with Luckster.

**Thursday’s Europa League Double:** - AZ Alkmaar win & Both teams to score @ 11/4 - Both teams to score in Aston Villa vs Bologna @ 19/20

A £10 bet on this double with Vegas Land could return £73.13 if both predictions are correct.

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