AZ manager Maarten Martens knows Tottenham Hotspur will play to save their season when the two sides meet on Thursday evening in the UEFA Europa League.
The Dutch side beat Spurs 1-0 in Alkmaar after Swedish midfielder Lucas Bergvall worked the ball into his own net. AZ had less of the ball but produced better chances, almost leaving Spurs lucky with a narrow loss.
AZ and Tottenham met once before this season when the Premier League side won 1-0 during the Europa League's league phase. The Lilywhites will have to replicate some of that form to save their season with a thirteenth spot in the Premier League leaving Spurs 13 points adrift of the European spots.
"We know their style of play, we have had the pleasure of experiencing it twice already," AZ manager Maarten Martens said during the pre-match press conference.
Spurs showed last Sunday that they can bounce back from a deficit, drawing 2-2 to Bournemouth after being 2-0 down in the 65th minute. "They have resilience. They will show that again against us," Martens continued.
Full focus
Martens will have to do without Mayckel Lahdo and Denso Kasius in North London as the two recover from injuries. Sven Mijnans and Ro-Zangelo Daal will also miss the away game, while Jayden Addai isn't fit enough to start yet.
Positive news came in the form of the return of Mexx Meerdink - the striker has netted seven goals so far this season, six of which came in the 74th minute or later. "He can boost the team by coming on," said Martens.
AZ and Martens face league leaders Ajax this Sunday in the Eredivisie. The Belgian has no interest in that game yet, however. "You always have to look at the big picture. This is now the next game and a very important one. The full focus is on Tottenham."