Tottenham Hotspur vs AZ Alkmaar
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When Tottenham Hotspur plays host to AZ Alkmaar at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the Europa League on 24th October 2024, it will be yet another thrilling night for football fans across the world. The highly-anticipated match serves as Matchday 3 of the group stages with the two teams contrasting in fortunes. One of the favourites to lift the Europa League trophy, Spurs seek a continuation of their perfect start in the competition while the AZ Alkmaar struggles to break a disappointing run of form.
This extensive match preview goes in-depth to take a look at the recent forms of both teams, explores possible lineups, head-to-head statistics, and an in-depth prediction. Key talking points, injury updates, and tactics also form part of this article that gets you ready for this exciting match.
Tottenham Hotspur: Pursuing Glory in Europe
Under the stewardship of Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham Hotspur have enjoyed a sound start to their 2024/25 season both domestically and in Europe. After securing a vital 4-1 victory over London rivals West Ham United, Spurs returned to winning ways following a blip in their form during the international break. Despite a frustrating 2-1 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion, London's side remains one of the top contenders in both the Premier League and the Europa League.
Spurs have been imperious in the Europa League thus far, with two wins from their opening group stage matches. Starting off with a comfortable 3-0 home win over Qarabag, they were down to 10 men early on but still put their opponents to the sword. That was followed up with a 2-0 win away at Hungarian side Ferencváros and left themselves well-placed to make qualification to the knockout stages.
Postecoglou has made it clear that one of his priorities this season is to win a trophy, and the Europa League is a very good chance of getting some silverware. The depth and quality in Spurs' squad were at full display in European action, and the team does have an enviable lot that could well go deep into the tournament.
Tottenham’s Key Players and Tactics
Meanwhile, one of the stars of the season for Tottenham has been their new signing, Brennan Johnson, who infused pace and creativity into the Spurs attack. His combination with Richarlison and Werner has been very vital during the breakdown of opponents' defenses, while Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr have provided steel and energy in the middle of the park.
Meanwhile, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven have formed quite a consistent partnership in the back, but may be rested for this Europa League tie. Pedro Porro has also played 90 minutes in six consecutive outings and may be spared too, just to give players like Radu Dragusin chances to get opportunities.
That said, Postecoglou likes to play high-pressing, possession-based football reliant on quick transitions and dynamic movement. This has worked out in the Premier League and Europa League with Spurs dominating possession and creating numerous goal-scoring chances. Given just how out of form AZ Alkmaar are, Tottenham may try taking advantage of the defensive fragility that their opponents have by trying to start strongly.
Tottenham Hotspur's Possible Lineup
Given the congested fixture schedule, Postecoglou is expected to rotate his squad. Players who have been heavily involved in recent matches may be rested, while fringe players could get a chance to impress. Here’s the possible starting lineup for Tottenham:
- GK: Guglielmo Vicario
- RB: Alfie Gray
- CB: Radu Dragusin
- CB: Ben Davies
- LB: Destiny Udogie
- CM: Pape Matar Sarr
- CM: Rodrigo Bentancur
- CAM: Matthew Bergvall
- RW: Brennan Johnson
- ST: Richarlison
- LW: Timo Werner
AZ Alkmaar: Searching for Form Amid a Challenging Run
AZ Alkmaar made a bright beginning in the Europa League by defeating Elfsborg 2-1 on Match Day 1, but it has been all downhill ever since for the Dutch side. They come into this match with a streak of four consecutive losses in all competitions-the worst in over 20 years for the club. In recent weeks, the team of Maarten Martens was outclassed by classier opponents: they lost to Athletic Bilbao in the second group stage match and were beaten by domestic rivals such as PSV Eindhoven and FC Utrecht.
AZ's early-season optimism has given way to a full-blown downward spiral, as the team quietly sits in mid-table in the Eredivisie, closer to the relegation zone than to the top four. A trip to face an in-form Tottenham side could hardly come at a worse time for the Dutch outfit.
AZ’s Key Players and Tactics
Former Spurs striker Troy Parrott will lead the attack for AZ, and he will want to make his mark against his old club. Though the Irish striker has failed to find real consistency since leaving Spurs, he did find the net in AZ's win over Elfsborg and still remains a threat in front of goal.
In midfield, experience will be expected from Jordy Clasie and Tijjani Reijnders to set the bar and dictate the pace. The absence of some key players like Bruno Martins Indi and Wouter Goes through injury has made AZ far from solid at the back in recent matches. Their backline, marshaled by young center-back Sam Beukema, will need to be at its very best to keep out Tottenham's strong attack.
Martens will most probably group his team in a 4-3-3 setup, relying on quick counterattacks via pacey wingers such as Ruben van Bommel. However, this game plan may be hard to execute considering the frailties in the AZ backline and the miserable record away from home in Europe.
AZ Alkmaar's Possible Lineup
- GK: Hubert Owusu-Oduro
- RB: Charles Maikuma
- CB: Alexandre Penetra
- CB: Sam Beukema
- LB: David Moller Wolfe
- CM: Jordy Clasie
- CM: Tijjani Reijnders
- CM: Wouter Buurmeester
- RW: Ruben van Bommel
- ST: Troy Parrott
- LW: Myron van Brederode
Head-to-Head Record
This will be the first competitive meeting between Tottenham Hotspur and AZ Alkmaar. Tottenham's overall record against Dutch teams has been good, though - especially in London. Spurs have won six of their last eight matches against Eredivisie sides in continental competition, including their most recent victory against Ajax in the 2019 Champions League semifinals.
Meanwhile, AZ Alkmaar are poor away in England. The Dutch side have lost all of their eight previous European games on English soil - an ominous looking figure for Martens and co as they go into this crucial encounter.
Key Stats
- Tottenham Hotspur are unbeaten in their last 14 European matches at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, winning 12 and drawing two.
- AZ Alkmaar have lost their last four matches across all competitions, scoring just two goals and conceding 10 during that period.
- Tottenham have kept a clean sheet in six consecutive home Europa League matches.
- AZ Alkmaar have conceded at least two goals in all eight of their previous visits to England in European competitions.
Match Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 AZ Alkmaar
Keeping in mind the current form, home advantage, and depth of the squad, there is little doubt regarding the ultimate winner of this Europa League clash: Tottenham Hotspur. With Spurs' attacking prowess leading the charge with Richarlison and Werner, plus potential leakages at the rear of AZ Alkmaar, it is indeed probable that Postecoglou's side will easily come out on top.
But AZ's poor run of form, combined with their abysmal record in England, further tips the scale in Tottenham's favor. While the Dutch side may look to sit deep and frustrate the home team, Spurs have the quality to break down even the most stubborn defenses.
One can expect the Spurs to dominate possession and carve out many goal-scoring opportunities. The AZ team is unlikely to absorb the pressure, pace, and attacking play of the London club, so a clean sheet seems to be probable for Spurs.
Conclusion
The Europa League campaign for Tottenham Hotspurs goes on with a view to creating a perfect start into the knockout stages, beating the out-of-form AZ Alkmaar. That said, Postecoglou's men will be hungry for silverware, and a victory here would move them closer to booking a spot in the knockout stages. AZ Alkmaar, on the other hand, will have to get into their groove sooner rather than later if they are to prevent further disappointment in what could be an important European rescue mission.
With the match imminent, attention will naturally fall on how AZ manages to turn things around against an impressive Tottenham home record. Will Spurs maintain their dominance in Europe, or is a shock result on the cards for AZ? Tune in to find out!