Thursday night sees AZ Alkmaar and Galatasaray go head-to-head in the first leg of their Europa League playoff tie, with both sides hoping to seize the advantage before the return leg in Turkey. With a potential last-16 meeting against either Manchester United or Tottenham Hotspur on the horizon, the stakes could not be higher.
AZ have been in strong form on home soil, but their defensive lapses remain a concern, while Galatasaray travel to the Netherlands with a free-scoring attack but key absentees in defence. This sets the stage for a thrilling encounter where goals look inevitable.
Below, our BettingTips4You expert breaks down the best value bet for this highly anticipated clash.
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AZ Alkmaar vs Galatasaray
Wolfgang Shotten; Sports journalist at BettingTips4You
Over 2.5 Goals | |
1/2 - odds when tipped |  |
Reasoning AZ Alkmaar and Galatasaray promise an open, high-scoring clash. AZ’s Parrott is in form, while Galatasaray, led by Morata, excel in attack but struggle defensively without Sánchez and Torreira. | |
Rationale:
The meeting between AZ Alkmaar and Galatasaray is shaping up to be an open, attacking contest, with both teams possessing serious firepower but also showing weaknesses at the back.
AZ have been consistent in front of goal, netting seven times in their last three games across all competitions. Troy Parrott, their standout forward, has been particularly clinical in Europe, scoring twice in his last two Europa League appearances. With Mayckel Lahdo and Jayden Addai supporting him in attack, AZ have the tools to trouble any defence. However, their backline has looked vulnerable, as seen in their 4-3 defeat to Ferencvaros on matchday eight.
Galatasaray, meanwhile, were the top-scoring team in the Europa League’s League Phase, finding the net 19 times across eight matches. The absence of key defensive figures like Davinson Sánchez and Lucas Torreira leaves them exposed at the back, but their attacking talent, led by new signing Álvaro Morata, ensures they remain a major threat going forward.
With both teams boasting attacking quality and neither defence looking particularly secure, this match has all the ingredients for a high-scoring affair.
Best bet – Over 2.5 goals
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