The first leg of the 2024/25 Europa League Round of 16 between AZ Alkmaar (Netherlands) and Tottenham Hotspur (England) will take place on March 6 at the AFAS Stadium. AZ Alkmaar vs. Tottenham: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
AZ Alkmaar
The Dutch side finished the group stage in 19th place, which allowed them to advance to the Europa League playoffs. In the first knockout stage, they faced Galatasaray, defeating them 4-1 at home and then drawing 2-2 in Istanbul. It's noteworthy that in the previous three seasons, the team participated in the Conference League, and the last time they reached the Europa League Round of 16 was in the 2013/14 season.
- AZ Alkmaar has lost only once in their last seven matches in this tournament (3 wins, 3 draws).
- Both teams scored in 6 of the last 7 Europa League games for the Dutch side.
- The club opened the scoring in 6 of their last 7 matches in this European competition.
Predicted lineup for AZ Alkmaar (4-3-3)
Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro – Seiya Maikuma, Wouter Goes, Alexandre Correia, David Møller Wolfe – Peer Koopmeiners, Kristian Belic, Sven Mijnans – Troy Parrott, Mykola Lahdo, Ernest Poku.
Forwards Ruben van Bommel, Mexx Meerdink, and Jayden Addai, as well as midfielder Sven Mijnans, are sidelined due to injuries.
Tottenham Hotspur
The English side finished the group stage in 4th place, with 5 wins, 2 draws, and only one loss. By reaching the top eight, the Londoners avoided participating in the Europa League playoffs. The club's current unbeaten streak in this tournament stands at four matches (2 wins, 2 draws). The last time Tottenham reached the Europa League Round of 16 was in the 2020/21 season, where they were stopped by Dinamo Zagreb.
- At least three goals have been scored in regular time in 6 of the club's last 8 Europa League matches.
- Tottenham has suffered only two defeats in the last 14 of 16 matches in this tournament (11 wins, 3 draws).
- The team has scored at least two goals in 13 of their last 16 matches in this European competition.
Predicted lineup for Tottenham Hotspur (4-3-3)
Brandon Austin – Archie Gray, Ben Davies, Pedro Porro, Micky van de Ven – Lucas Bergvall, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Sarr – Son Heung-min, Mikey Moore, Richarlison.
Defenders Ben Davies and Radu Dragusin, as well as forwards Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison, are in the team's infirmary.
Referee
Rade Obrenović (Slovenia)
Matches – 8 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 39;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.9;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 22;
Penalties – 25%.
Match Prediction: AZ Alkmaar vs. Tottenham Hotspur
Both opponents deserve to advance to the next stage of the European competition. The Dutch side will try to gain some advantage before heading to England, where it will be extremely difficult not to lose. The hosts will aim for victory, which can only be achieved by scoring as many goals as possible. AZ Alkmaar is very strong at home in the Europa League, with an 18-match unbeaten run. The club has scored in all seven of their previous home matches in this tournament, and both teams have scored in 6 of the last 7 home games in this tournament.
Tottenham's away performances in the Europa League vary and lack consistency, often playing with a second-string squad, as is common among English teams in the Europa League or Conference League. However, the Londoners have scored in regular time in 7 of their last 8 away games in this tournament. Notably, both teams have scored in 7 of Tottenham's last 8 away matches in this European competition.
My prediction: Both teams to score – Yes
