The first leg of the 2024/25 Europa League Round of 16 between AZ Alkmaar (Netherlands) and Tottenham (England) will take place on March 6 at the AFAS Stadium. AZ Alkmaar vs. Tottenham: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
AZ Alkmaar
The Dutch team finished the group stage in 19th place, allowing them to advance to the Europa League knockout stages. Their first opponent was Galatasaray, whom Alkmaar defeated 4-1 at home and then drew 2-2 in Istanbul. Notably, in the last three seasons, the team participated in the Conference League, and their last appearance in 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 and 3 draws).
- Both teams scored in 6 of AZ Alkmaar's last 7 Europa League matches.
- The club scored first 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 Moller Wolfe – Peer Koopmeiners, Kristijan Belic, Sven Mijnans – Troy Parrott, Mykola Lahdo, Ernest Poku.
Forward Jayden Addai and midfielder Sven Mijnans are out due to injuries.
Tottenham
The English team finished the group stage in 4th place, securing 5 wins, 2 draws, and only 1 loss. By reaching the top eight, the Londoners avoided the Europa League playoffs. Tottenham is currently on a four-match unbeaten streak in this tournament (2 wins and 2 draws). Their last appearance in the Europa League Round of 16 was in the 2020/21 season, where they were eliminated by Dinamo Zagreb.
- At least three goals were scored in regular time in 6 of Tottenham's last 8 Europa League matches.
- Tottenham has suffered only two defeats in 90 minutes in 14 of their last 16 matches in this tournament (11 wins and 3 draws).
- The team scored at least two goals in 13 of their last 16 matches in this European competition.
Predicted lineup for Tottenham (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 Micky van de Ven, Radu Dragusin, Cristian Romero, and forwards Dominic Solanke and Richarlison are in the team's infirmary.
Referee
Rade Obrenovic (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%.
AZ Alkmaar vs. Tottenham: Match Prediction
Both opponents deserve to advance to the next stage of the European competition. The Dutch team will aim to gain an advantage before heading to England, where it will be extremely difficult not to lose. The hosts will strive for victory, which they can achieve by scoring as many goals as possible. AZ Alkmaar is very strong at home in the Europa League, with an 18-match unbeaten streak. The club has scored in all seven of their previous home games in this tournament, with both teams scoring in 6 of their last 7 home matches.
Tottenham's away performances in the Europa League are inconsistent, as they often play with a second-string lineup, which is typical for all English teams in the Europa League or Conference League. However, the Londoners have scored in regular time in 7 of their last 8 away matches in this tournament. Additionally, both teams have scored in 7 of Tottenham's last 8 away games in this European competition.
My prediction: Both teams to score – yes
