AZ Alkmaar vs Tottenham Preview

• Draw
• Over 3.5 goals

The UEFA Europa League round of 16 presents AZ Alkmaar with a daunting challenge, as they welcome Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur to the AFAS Stadion for the first leg of this crucial tie.

AZ are enjoying their best UEL campaign in over a decade, but they now face one of the tournament’s strongest teams, a Spurs side that already defeated them 1-0 in London during the league phase.

Despite their terrible record against English clubs (W2, D5, L12), AZ can take confidence from their home form in Europe, where they have scored 12 goals across five home games in this UEL campaign.

Their 4-1 thrashing of Galatasaray in the knockout play-off round showed their ability to hurt strong teams at home.

Tottenham, meanwhile, are one of the favourites to win the Europa League, and despite their domestic struggles this season, their performances in this competition have been solid.

Ange Postecoglou has pointed to their UEL success as proof that Spurs can compete at the highest level despite their injury crisis.

However, their defensive frailties on the road remain a concern, as they conceded in all four of their UEL away matches in the league phase. Can AZ’s goal-scoring firepower take advantage, or will Spurs assert their dominance in the first leg?

Key Stats & Facts

• AZ Alkmaar have lost five consecutive matches against Premier League clubs since 2022/23.
• AZ have won all five of their UEL home matches this season, scoring 12 goals in the process.
• Tottenham won just one of their four away matches in the UEL league phase, conceding in every game (W2, D1, L1).
• Spurs have kept just two clean sheets in their last six domestic matches, both at home.
• Troy Parrott has scored in four of AZ’s last six home games, all of which were wins.
• Richarlison scored the only goal in Tottenham’s 1-0 win over AZ in the league phase.

AZ Alkmaar: Can Their Home Form Inspire an Upset?

AZ have been exceptional at home in the UEL this season, and their 4-1 win over Galatasaray last time out will give them hope of causing another upset against an elite side.

While their record against English teams is poor, AZ’s free-scoring attack at home means they cannot be underestimated.

Their biggest challenge will be keeping Spurs quiet defensively, given their tendency to concede against top opposition.

Recent Form (All Competitions)

• Eredivisie: AZ Alkmaar 1-1 Utrecht – Draw
• Eredivisie: Feyenoord 2-1 AZ Alkmaar – Loss
• UEFA Europa League: AZ Alkmaar 4-1 Galatasaray – Win
• Eredivisie: AZ Alkmaar 3-0 Vitesse – Win
• UEFA Europa League: Galatasaray 1-0 AZ Alkmaar – Loss

Key Player: Troy Parrott (Striker)

• Former Tottenham academy player, now AZ’s main attacking threat.
• Scored in four of AZ’s last six home matches.
• Will be looking to prove a point against his former club.

Tottenham Hotspur: Title Favourites But Defensive Concerns

Despite their Premier League struggles, Spurs are one of the favourites to win the Europa League.

Ange Postecoglou will be keen for his side to seize control of the tie in the first leg and avoid giving AZ hope heading into the return match in London.

However, Spurs have struggled on the road in Europe, conceding in every away game in the league phase. If their defensive issues persist, AZ could cause major problems for the North London club.

Recent Form (All Competitions)

• Premier League: Tottenham 0-1 Manchester City – Loss
• Premier League: Tottenham 4-1 Ipswich Town – Win
• Premier League: Manchester United 0-1 Tottenham – Win
• Premier League: Tottenham 1-0 Brentford – Win
• UEFA Europa League: Tottenham 2-2 AC Milan – Draw

Key Player: Richarlison (Forward)

• Scored the only goal in Spurs’ 1-0 league phase win over AZ.
• Tottenham’s top scorer in the UEL this season.
• Has struggled for consistency but remains a major goal threat.

Team News & Predicted Lineups

AZ Alkmaar Team News

• No major injury concerns for manager Pascal Jansen.
• Troy Parrott will lead the attack against his parent club.
• Djordje Mihailovic could return to midfield after being rested last weekend.

Tottenham Hotspur Team News

• Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven remain sidelined due to injury.
• James Maddison is fit and expected to start in midfield.
• Richarlison will likely lead the attack in a front three.

Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Meetings in European Competitions)

Key Trends

• Tottenham won their only competitive meeting with AZ (1-0) earlier this season.
• AZ have lost five straight matches against Premier League clubs.
• Tottenham have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last four UEL away games.

Match Prediction

This match could be more competitive than many expect. AZ have shown they are capable of scoring freely at home, while Spurs’ defensive struggles away from home mean they could be vulnerable again in Alkmaar.

Tottenham’s quality in attack should be enough to secure a result, but AZ will not go down easily. Expect an open, attacking match, with both teams getting on the scoresheet.

Final Score Prediction: AZ Alkmaar 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur

• Both teams to score.
• AZ to dominate at home but Spurs to show resilience.
• All to play for in the second leg in London.

For more info on this game, you may also visit:
AZ Alkmaar vs Tottenham | UEFA Europa League 2024/25