Tottenham Hotspur welcome AZ Alkmaar to North London on the 24th of October, looking to maintain their strong Europa League form.
Spurs sit third in their group with six points from two matches, while Alkmaar are in a tough spot with only three points. Both teams come into this game with contrasting fortunes, and this matchup could be a critical step in Spurs’ pursuit of European success.
What time does Tottenham v AZ Alkmaar kick-off?
How both teams enter Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar
Tottenham head into this game off a dominant 4-1 win over West Ham United, a result that adds to their strong run of form. With four wins in their last five games, Ange Postecoglou’s men are building momentum in both domestic and European competitions.
AZ Alkmaar, on the other hand, are enduring a rough patch. They have lost four consecutive games, including a 1-2 home defeat to PSV in the Eredivisie. With only one win from their last five matches, Alkmaar will be desperate to turn things around.
Tottenham Team News
Spurs are in good shape heading into this clash. Mikey Moore and Archie Gray are expected to feature after impressing in earlier Europa League matches, while Lucas Bergvall will likely retain his spot after assisting in the last European fixture. Wilson Odobert remains the only absentee due to a hamstring injury but is nearing a return. Djed Spence is not eligible to play either way.
AZ Alkmaar Team News
There’s no confirmation yet on the availability of the Ghanian forward, Ibrahim Sadiq, who missed Alkmaar’s last game. The forward has been in excellent form this season, contributing 7 goals and assists in 8 games. If fit, he could pose a serious threat to Tottenham’s defence. AZ will also look to Troy Parrott, who will be facing his former team. Wouter Goes is likely the only confirmed player to miss the game.
Predicted Tottenham Line-Up
Vicario; Gray, Romero, Drǎguşin, Davies; Sarr, Bentancur, Bergvall; Moore, Richarlison, Werner.
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Our Prediction
Tottenham will be eager to secure the top spot in their Europa League group, and this home fixture against a struggling AZ Alkmaar provides a prime opportunity. Spurs’ defence has looked more cohesive, and Radu Drǎguşin, fresh from his goal for Romania, will be key to their efforts. After an early red card in the competition, Drǎguşin will be determined to make amends and prove his quality on the European stage.
AZ Alkmaar, struggling with form, will look to Troy Parrott, who has been in solid scoring form with six goals in 11 games. His ability to receive progressive passes, demonstrated by a record of 54, means Spurs will need to be wary of their high defensive line.
However, given Spurs’ firepower and AZ’s recent slump, it’s hard to see the Dutch side causing too many problems. Tottenham should take advantage of Alkmaar’s vulnerabilities and secure a convincing win.