Spurs saw off their Eredivisie counterparts 1-0 earlier this season, thanks to a Richarlison penalty, and have been drawn against them over a two-legged last-16 tie.
Exits in both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup mean Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou has only success in Europe left to maintain his record of “always” winning silverware in his second season at a club. Spurs remain favourites to do so, but know their Dutch opponents will prove no pushovers.
AZ have lost just once at home across all competitions this season and thumped Galatasaray in the play-off round to get this far, a team Spurs lost to during the League Phase.
Ange Postecoglou opted to leave captain Heung-min Son, impressive full-back Djed Spence and influential midfielder Dejan Kulusevski out of the starting line-up for the home defeat to Manchester City, with this game in mind, and has reportedly since lost the latter to injury. It remains to be seen how serious Kulusevski’s injury is, but initial reports claim he could return for the second leg.
Spurs hope to have centre-back pair Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero available for the second leg, but could even make the squad for the first leg. Dominic Solanke and Richarlison are further behind in their rehabilitation. Timo Werner has not been registered for the Europa League knockout stage.
Jordy Clasie and Peer Koopmeiners will have a battle on their hands in midfield, especially against a Spurs side who were afforded the weekend off with the Premier League schedule on pause for the FA Cup.
Spurs will be the fresher of the two teams but face an AZ side who boast a formidable home record. Ange Postecoglou should be telling his team to keep it tight at the back, but that is no guarantee with the Australian in charge, so goals could well be in plentiful supply.
I expect both teams to come out of the traps quickly, and AZ will look to their 4-1 win at home over Galatasaray as proof they can blow teams away in front of their own fans. Spurs will likely be happy with a draw ahead of hosting the second leg at home. It could be a bit of a nervy affair.