AZ Alkmaar vs Elfsborg Prediction 25 Sep 2024

⚽ Europa League - League phase - Round 1 Preview

📅 25 Sep 2024

⏰ 17:45 GMT +1

🏟 AFAS Stadion (Alkmaar)

AZ Alkmaar have had an impressive start to their Eredivisie season, remaining undefeated in their first six games (W5, D1). This strong form briefly saw them top the table before being overtaken by PSV. AZ will be eager to transfer this form to the UEFA Europa League, where they face Elfsborg, a team they’ve never met in a competitive match. Alkmaar boasts a solid record against Swedish opposition in UEFA competitions, losing just once in their last six encounters. Despite their domestic success, manager Maarten Martens, in his first full season, will aim to improve on AZ’s recent Europa League form, which has seen them win just two of their last ten matches in the competition (D4, L4).

Elfsborg return to the European stage after a decade-long absence, their last appearance in a major European group phase dating back to the 2013/14 Europa League. The Swedish side has worked tirelessly to reach this stage, playing eight qualifying matches (W6, D1, L1) since early July. Their defense has been key, keeping five clean sheets in those six European wins, alongside a 1-0 victory in their last domestic match against Halmstad. With no domestic fixture this past weekend, Elfsborg may enjoy a slight physical advantage over their hosts, and they’ll be eager to make a mark, having never reached the knockout phase of a European competition.

Where to watch AZ Alkmaar vs Elfsborg?

📺 Link to watch AZ Alkmaar vs Elfsborg Live Stream on TV

📋Players to watch:

• Troy Parrot (AZ Alkmaar): The summer signing made a statement in his last home game, scoring four goals in a 9-1 win over Heerenveen.
• Michael Baidoo (Elfsborg): Baidoo was one of the standout players in the qualifying phase, contributing six goal involvements (G3, A3).

⚡️Match Facts:

• AZ Alkmaar have lost just one of their last six matches against Swedish teams in UEFA competitions.
• Elfsborg scored inside the first 30 minutes in each of their last five competitive away matches.
• AZ Alkmaar have only two wins in their last ten Europa League matches.

💡 AZ Alkmaar vs Elfsborg Prediction

AZ Alkmaar will likely dominate possession and create more chances, buoyed by their strong domestic form and home advantage. However, Elfsborg's disciplined defense and ability to score early could make this a tricky match. Expect AZ to edge a close game, with a 2-1 victory, but Elfsborg’s defensive resilience will keep the scoreline tight.

AZ Alkmaar vs Elfsborg Betting Tips

• Under 3.5 goals
• Both teams to score
• AZ Alkmaar to win