AZ Alkmaar vs Roma Prediction - Europa League
AZ Alkmaar will host Roma for a crucial Europa League showdown on 23 January 2025 at 17:45. Both teams are vying for a top 8 finish in the competition, making this match pivotal.
AZ Alkmaar have been in stellar form, remaining unbeaten in their last 11 matches, including impressive encounters against Ajax and PSV. However, they face injury concerns with key players like Ruben van Bommel doubtful for the game. Roma, led by Claudio Ranieri, have shown marked improvement, winning six of their last eight games and scoring 24 goals in 12 matches.
The weather at AFAS Stadion will be overcast with temperatures around 4°C. Despite these conditions, an exciting, high-scoring affair is anticipated given both teams’ offensive strengths.
Our recommended bet is Roma to win, with the odds at 2.3. Roma’s recent form and tactical prowess make them the bookmaker’s favourite for this fixture.
AZ Alkmaar vs Roma Prediction & Betting tip
| AZ Alkmaar vs. Roma Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Roma to win | 2.3 |
- Reason 1: Roma have impressive form in the Europa League, not losing any of their last four matches.
- Reason 2: Roma’s offense has been potent, scoring 24 goals in their last 12 games.
- Reason 3: AZ Alkmaar has key injury concerns, including top scorer Ruben van Bommel being doubtful.
Roma’s recent form and tactical prowess give them a significant advantage despite playing away from home. Their ability to score, combined with AZ Alkmaar’s injury problems, makes Roma to win a solid bet for this clash.
AZ Alkmaar vs Roma Odds
| AZ Alkmaar vs. Roma Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| AZ Alkmaar | 3.10 |
| Draw | 3.53 |
| Roma | 2.20 |
Roma are considered the favourites in this match with odds of 2.20 for an away win, while a win for AZ Alkmaar stands at 3.10. A draw is priced at 3.53, reflecting the tight competition anticipated between these two teams.
The betting odds favour Roma, indicating their superior form in the Europa League and a more consistent attacking play under coach Claudio Ranieri. Punters may look at Roma’s record and current form, making them the safer bet.
AZ Alkmaar Team Analysis
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| FC Utrecht | AZ Alkmaar | 0-0 (Draw) |
| AZ Alkmaar | Ajax | 2-0 (Win) |
| PSV Eindhoven | AZ Alkmaar | 2-2 (Draw) |
| AZ Alkmaar | Twente | 1-0 (Win) |
| AZ Alkmaar | FC Groningen | 3-1 (Win) |
AZ Alkmaar have been in excellent form recently, remaining unbeaten in their last 11 matches. They’ve posted a solid recent record of three wins and two draws. Managing to keep three clean sheets in their last five games, their defense appears stable. Offensively, they’re averaging 1.60 goals per game, which speaks volumes about their balanced approach. Taking on tough opponents like Ajax and PSV with such resilience shows their robust team spirit. With key players like Ruben van Bommel possibly sidelined due to injury, coach Robert Franssen will rely heavily on other players to step up.
AZ Alkmaar Key Players
For AZ Alkmaar, the performance of their key players will be instrumental in this high-stakes match against Roma. Jordy Clasie stands out as the captain and midfield general. His leadership and aggressive playing style will be crucial in both offensive setups and defensive duties. Ernest Poku, deployed in the forward line, has been a revelation and will be expected to create scoring opportunities and stretch the Roma defense. Troy Parrott, leading the attack, will be relied upon for crucial goals. Keep an eye on young defender Wouter Goes, whose defensive prowess will be tested against Roma’s attackers like Paulo Dybala.
Expected lineup for AZ Alkmaar:
- Goalkeeper: Rome Jayden Owusu-Oduro
- Defenders: Seiya Maikuma, Wouter Goes, Alexandre Penetra, David Møller Wolfe
- Midfielders: Peer Koopmeiners, Sven Mijnans, Jordy Clasie
- Attackers: Ernest Poku, Troy Parrott, Mexx Meerdink
AZ Alkmaar Suspensions & Injuries
AZ Alkmaar is currently facing a significant challenge with several key players sidelined due to injuries.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Sem Westerveld | Knee injury | Potential return doubtful |
| Ruben van Bommel | Unknown | Potential return doubtful |
| Ibrahim Sadiq | Unknown | Potential return doubtful |
| Kees Smit | Hamstring injury | Potential return doubtful |
| Kristijan Belic | Unknown | Potential return doubtful |
The absence of top scorer Ruben van Bommel, who has netted 3 goals in the tournament, could significantly impact AZ’s attacking options. Sem Westerveld’s absence due to a knee injury adds to the defensive woes, making it a tough task for coach Robert Franssen to field his best XI. These injuries will test the squad depth, and players like Troy Parrott and Ernest Poku will need to step up in this crucial fixture.
AZ Alkmaar Tactics and Formation
AZ Alkmaar Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-3-3
- Expected Line-up:
- Goalkeeper: Rome Jayden Owusu-Oduro
- Defenders:
- Right back: Seiya Maikuma
- Right center back: Wouter Goes
- Left center back: Alexandre Penetra
- Left back: David Møller Wolfe
- Midfielders:
- Right central midfielder: Peer Koopmeiners
- Central midfielder: Sven Mijnans
- Left central midfielder: Jordy Clasie
- Forwards:
- Right forward: Ernest Poku
- Center forward: Troy Parrott
- Left forward: Mexx Meerdink
- Key Forward: Troy Parrott
- Midfield Trio: Peer Koopmeiners, Sven Mijnans, Jordy Clasie
- Defensive Strength: Three clean sheets in the last five games.
Notable Strategy: AZ has demonstrated a performance, remaining unbeaten in their last eleven matches. With a mix of youthful energy and experienced players like Clasie, they will look to control the midfield and exploit Roma’s defensive vulnerabilities, especially in the 76-90 and 31-45-minute intervals. Expect AZ to focus on a disciplined defensive structure while leveraging quick transitions and pace on the flanks to break down Roma’s defense.
Roma Team Analysis
Roma has been in solid form lately, showcasing their mettle in both domestic and European football. Over their last five matches, they’ve secured three wins and two draws:
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Roma | Genoa | 3-1 (Win) |
| Bologna | Roma | 2-2 (Draw) |
| Roma | Lazio | 2-0 (Win) |
| AC Milan | Roma | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Roma | Parma Calcio 1913 | 5-0 (Win) |
Roma has been prolific in front of goal, with an average of 2.60 goals per game over their last five matches. Defensively, they’ve managed to keep two clean sheets during this run, showing a decent balance between attack and defense.
While their overall away performance in Serie A has been underwhelming, their recent unbeaten run suggests they are finding their rhythm at a crucial time in the Europa League.
Their formidable attack, led by Paulo Dybala and Artem Dovbyk, combined with a solid backline featuring veterans like Mats Hummels, makes them a tough team to beat.
Roma Key Players
Roma’s lineup bristles with talent and experience, making them a formidable force. Expected lineup for Roma:
- Goalkeeper: Mile Svilar
- Defenders: Gianluca Mancini, Mats Hummels, Evan N’Dicka
- Midfielders: Alexis Saelemaekers, Kouadio Koné, Leandro Paredes, Angeliño, Lorenzo Pellegrini
- Attackers: Paulo Dybala, Artem Dovbyk
Key players to watch include:
- Artem Dovbyk: Roma’s top scorer with 2 goals. His ability to find the net makes him a constant threat.
- Paulo Dybala: Known for his creativity and sharpness, Dybala often sets up crucial plays.
- Mats Hummels: A veteran defender providing stability and leadership at the back.
Key battles to anticipate:
- Dovbyk vs. AZ Alkmaar’s defense, anchored by Wouter Goes.
- Dybala’s playmaking against midfield stalwarts like Sven Mijnans.
These matchups could define the outcome at AFAS Stadion.
Roma Suspensions & Injuries
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Bryan Cristante | Ligament injury | Early February 2025 |
Roma’s key player, Bryan Cristante, is ruled out with a ligament injury and is expected to return in early February 2025. His absence in midfield could affect Roma’s defensive stability and passing accuracy, given his ability to disrupt play and distribute the ball efficiently. Coach Claudio Ranieri may need to rely on other midfielders like Leandro Paredes and Kouadio Koné to fill the void left by Cristante’s injury.
Roma Tactics and Formation
Roma’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 3-4-2-1
- Key Forward: Artem Dovbyk, their top scorer with two goals.
- Midfield Focus: Alexis Saelemaekers and Angeliño on the wings, ensuring width and creating crossing opportunities, while Manu Koné and Leandro Paredes hold central roles.
- Defensive Setup: A back three with Gianluca Mancini, Mats Hummels, and Evan N’Dicka, providing both experience and solidity.
- Offensive Strategy: Deploying Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini in advanced midfield roles to support the lone striker, Artem Dovbyk.
- Notable Strategy: Strong attacking phases, particularly in the late stages of each half (76-90, 31-45 minutes).
Despite Bryan Cristante’s absence, manager Claudio Ranieri will rely on the experience and tactical flexibility of his side to dominate key areas of the pitch.
