Fighting for a place in the quarter-finals of the Europa League, AZ Alkmaar take on Tottenham in the first leg of their last-16 tie at the AFAS Stadion on Thursday evening.
Maarten Martens' men achieved qualification from the league phase by the skin of their teeth, placing 19th with just 11 points.
That meant the Dutch outfit had to enter the play-off round where they brilliantly dismantled Galatasaray 6-3 over two legs.
On the domestic front, AZ are currently occupying sixth place in the Eredivisie table following a 3-1 defeat away at Heerenveen on Sunday.
As for Tottenham, they should be the fresher of the two teams coming into this clash after having a rare weekend off following their 1-0 loss to Man City in the Premier League last midweek.
Ange Postecoglou’s side won their final two league phase matches in the Europa League to bypass the play-off round and to secure automatic qualification to the last-16.
How the bookies view it: Spurs to march on
Tottenham are even-money (1/1) favourites on Boylesports to draw first blood at the AFAS Stadion on Thursday evening. However, the 4/5 on Boylesports for the visitors to score two or more goals looks the more attractive angle of attack.
AZ Alkmaar are 12/5 underdogs on Boylesports while an all square first leg has been priced up at 13/5 with the same firm.
Head to head: Spurs seeking more of the same
The two teams have already crossed paths in this season’s Europa League, with Tottenham earning a 1-0 victory in the English capital during the league phase. Another 1-0 victory for Spurs on Thursday evening can be backed at a best price of 10/1 on Boylesports.
Players to watch: Dejan to deliver?
Dejan Kulusevski has been one of Tottenham’s standout performers this season. The Swedish ace is an eye-catching 6/4 on PaddyPower for a goal or an assist on Thursday evening.
Troy Parrott has hit an impressive 17 goals in 28 appearances for AZ this season. The former Tottenham man is 7/4 on Boylesports to bag a goal against his former employers in this week’s first leg.
Predicted line-ups
AZ manager Martens will be unable to call upon the services of injured duo Jayden Addai and Sven Mijnans.
While Tottenham's injury issues are easing ever so slightly, they could still be without as many as six players on Thursday evening.
AZ Alkmaar: Owusu-Oduro; Maikuma, Goes, Penetra, De Wit; Clasie, Koopmeiners; Poku, Buurmeester, Lahdo; Parrott
Tottenham: Vicario; Porro, Gray, Danso, Spence; Maddison, Bentancur, Sarr; Kulusevski, Johnson, Son
Anything else catch the eye?
With an entertaining encounter anticipated on Thursday evening, a play on both teams to score and over 2.5 goals looks worthy of interest at 4/5 on Boylesports.
This bet would have been the correct selection in four of AZ’s last five Europa League matches, including each of their two play-off games with Galatasaray.
It’s also worth noting that this play would have proven profitable in three of Spurs’ four continental contests away from home this season.
This UEFA Europa League match between AZ Alkmaar and Tottenham Hotspur will be played on and kick off at 17:45. Check below for our tipsters best AZ Alkmaar vs Tottenham Hotspur prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
AZ Alkmaar vs Tottenham Hotspur Betting Tips & Predictions
Further Reading