AZ Alkmaar vs Elfsborg Prediction - Europa League Betting Tips
AZ Alkmaar will host Elfsborg at AFAS Stadion in their first-round clash of the Europa League. The home side, top of the Eredivisie, comes off a smashing 9-1 victory over Heerenveen, during which Troy Parrott netted four goals. Their excellent recent form and better defense, evidenced by three clean sheets in their last five games, make them the bookmakers’ favorite.
Elfsborg, tenth in Allsvenskan, has shown mixed results and faces the challenge of playing away. Given AZ Alkmaar’s formidable home record in this competition and Elfsborg’s inconsistency, our match prediction tips AZ Alkmaar to win comfortably.
AZ Alkmaar vs Elfsborg Prediction & Betting Tip
Given the data, our betting tip is to back AZ Alkmaar to win. Here’s why:
| AZ Alkmaar vs. Elfsborg Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting Tip | Odds |
| AZ Alkmaar to win | 1.47 |
- AZ Alkmaar’s excellent recent form, including a 9-1 victory over Heerenveen, demonstrates their scoring prowess.
- Strong defense with three clean sheets in their last five games, highlighting their solid backline.
- Home advantage at the AFAS Stadion favors AZ Alkmaar, who have not lost in seven consecutive home Europa League matches. Backing AZ Alkmaar seems sensible given their stellar form and Elfsborg’s inconsistency.
AZ Alkmaar vs Elfsborg Odds
The odds are favoring a win for AZ Alkmaar when they take on Elfsborg at the AFAS Stadion. Considering AZ’s excellent recent form and home advantage, bookmakers have pegged them as the favorites.
| AZ Alkmaar vs. Elfsborg Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| AZ Alkmaar | 1.47 |
| Draw | 4.60 |
| Elfsborg | 6.21 |
AZ Alkmaar Team Analysis
AZ Alkmaar have been in sensational form lately, marking 4 wins and 1 draw in their last 5 matches. They have consistently shown their ability to both attack and defend effectively, having scored an average of 3.00 goals per game while keeping 3 clean sheets in this span.
Their standout recent performance was a 9-1 thrashing of SC Heerenveen, showcasing their offensive prowess with Troy Parrott netting four goals. Their solid defense and better home record make them the bookmakers’ favorites.
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| PEC Zwolle | AZ Alkmaar | 1-2 (Win) |
| AZ Alkmaar | SC Heerenveen | 9-1 (Win) |
| RKC Waalwijk | AZ Alkmaar | 0-3 (Win) |
| FC Groningen | AZ Alkmaar | 0-0 (Draw) |
| AZ Alkmaar | NEC Nijmegen | 1-0 (Win) |
AZ Alkmaar Key Players
AZ Alkmaar’s key players to watch include:
Troy Parrott, who recently scored four goals in a single match against Heerenveen, showcasing his lethal finishing ability.
Jordy Clasie and Peer Koopmeiners will be essential in the midfield, providing both defensive stability and creative playmaking. With a solid backline comprising Seiya Maikuma, Wouter Goes, Alexandre Penetra, and David Møller Wolfe, their defense has been a fortress in recent matches. Key individual battles to look out for include Parrott against Elfsborg’s central defenders Ibrahim Buhari and Terry Yegbe.
Expected lineup for AZ Alkmaar:
- Goalkeeper: Rome Jayden Owusu-Oduro
- Defenders: Seiya Maikuma, Wouter Goes, Alexandre Penetra, David Møller Wolfe
- Midfielders: Jordy Clasie, Peer Koopmeiners
- Attackers: Ibrahim Sadiq, Ruben van Bommel, Sven Mijnans, Troy Parrott
AZ Alkmaar Suspensions & Injuries
AZ Alkmaar is dealing with several injury concerns that may affect its performance.
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Sem Westerveld | Knee injury | Potential return doubtful |
| Mees de Wit | Foot injury | Potential return doubtful |
| Bruno Martins Indi | Hamstring injury | Potential return doubtful |
Suspensions:
| Player | Suspension | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Bruno Martins Indi | Disciplinary points (yellow card) | Banned, 1 match remaining |
These absences, particularly the suspension of Bruno Martins Indi, who plays a pivotal role in AZ Alkmaar’s defense, could alter the dynamics of their backline. Expect the team to rely more on their regular starters like Wouter Goes and Alexandre Penetra, who have been solid in recent outings. The potential absence of key players might necessitate tactical adjustments from coach Maarten Martens.
AZ Alkmaar Tactics and Formation
AZ Alkmaar Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Troy Parrott
- Midfield Trio: Jordy Clasie, Peer Koopmeiners, Sven Mijnans
- Defensive Strength: Three clean sheets in the past five games
- Notable Strategy: Dominant pressuring play, as evidenced by their recent 9-1 win against Heerenveen
AZ Alkmaar’s tactics revolve around exploiting their forward’s rapid pace and clinical finishing. Troy Parrott has been in spectacular form, scoring four times in their recent thrashing of Heerenveen. Midfielders Jordy Clasie and Peer Koopmeiners play a dual role in shielding the defense and setting up attacks, while Sven Mijnans adds creativity. Despite dealing with several injuries, their backline remains reliable, thanks to solid performers like Wouter Goes and Alexandre Penetra. Expect AZ Alkmaar to dominate possession and play high up the pitch, leveraging their form and home advantage.
Elfsborg Team Analysis
Elfsborg have displayed a mixed set of results in their last five matches, with a record of two draws, two wins, and one loss. This recent performance reflects their ability to score goals while maintaining a relatively solid defense.
Key stats from their recent outings include an average of 2.00 goals scored per game and two clean sheets in their last five games. Their form has been up and down, with some defensive lapses evident in games like the 3-3 draw against Brommapojkarna.
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Elfsborg | Hammarby | 0-0 (Draw) |
| Elfsborg | IFK Norrköping | 2-2 (Draw) |
| Halmstads BK | Elfsborg | 0-1 (Win) |
| Brommapojkarna | Elfsborg | 3-3 (Draw) |
| Elfsborg | Molde | 0-1 (Loss) |
Elfsborg’s recent form suggests they might struggle against ber opponents like AZ Alkmaar, but their knack for keeping clean sheets could help them hold their own.
Elfsborg Key Players
Elfsborg possess several key players who will be instrumental in their match against AZ Alkmaar.
Expected lineup for Elfsborg:
- Goalkeeper: Isak Pettersson
- Central backs: Ibrahim Buhari, Sebastian Holmén, Terry Yegbe
- Right midfielder: Simon Hedlund
- Central midfielders: Timothy Noor Ouma, Besfort Zeneli
- Left midfielder: Niklas Hult
- Forwards: Ahmed Qasem, Michael Baidoo, Jalal Abdulai
Key Individual Battles:
- Isak Pettersson will need to be at his best to stop AZ Alkmaar’s prolific attack, which recently scored nine goals in a single match.
- Sebastian Holmén has been solid in defense and will face a tough battle against Troy Parrott, the forward for AZ Alkmaar.
- Michael Baidoo and Ahmed Qasem will need to exploit every chance to trouble AZ Alkmaar’s defense, which has kept three clean sheets in the last five games.
Elfsborg’s strategy will rely heavily on these players, especially in maintaining a solid defensive line and capitalizing on any counter-attack opportunities.
Elfsborg Suspensions & Injuries
Elfsborg head into their Europa League clash against AZ Alkmaar without any reported suspensions or injuries. This clean bill of health will be a significant advantage for the Swedish side, enabling head coach Oscar Hiljemark to field his best lineup. This is particularly crucial as Elfsborg faces a formidable opponent in AZ Alkmaar, who are in excellent form. Despite no notable absences, the team will need every player at their best to withstand AZ Alkmaar’s relentless attack and to exploit any opportunities on the counter-attack.
Elfsborg Tactics and Formation
Elfsborg’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 3-4-3
- Key Forwards: Ahmed Qasem, Michael Baidoo, Jalal Abdulai
- Midfield Quartet: Simon Hedlund, Timothy Noor Ouma, Besfort Zeneli, Niklas Hult
- Defensive Line: Ibrahim Buhari, Sebastian Holmen, Terry Yegbe
- Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games.
- Notable Strategy: Emphasizing wide play and quick transitions to exploit AZ Alkmaar’s flanks.
Oscar Hiljemark’s side is set up in a 3-4-3 formation, aiming to provide robust defensive coverage while also posing a threat on the break. With a clean bill of health, Elfsborg will look to use their dynamic midfield and speedy wingers to counteract AZ Alkmaar’s attacks and create scoring opportunities.
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