AZ Alkmaar vs Elfsborg Predictions

AZ Alkmaar vs Elfsborg Predictions for this Europa League clash. AZ Alkmaar host Elfsborg in the Netherlands for their Europa League opener on Wednesday. Read on for our free match preview and betting tips.

Europa League | League Stage | Sep 25, 2024 at 5.45pm UK at AFAS Stadion

AZ Alkmaar vs Elfsborg Predictions

Can AZ Alkmaar Maintain Their Winning Streak Against Elfsborg?

• AZ Alkmaar’s Offensive Dominance
  AZ have scored an impressive 16 goals in just six Eredivisie matches, averaging 2.7 goals per game. Their offensive fluidity is evident in their recent performances, including a 9-1 demolition of Heerenveen. Sadiq and Parrott have been instrumental, scoring eight goals between them. AZ’s ability to create chances is highlighted by their average of seven shots on target per game.
• Elfsborg’s Away Scoring Streak
  Elfsborg have shown resilience on the road, scoring in their last eight away matches. This consistency is crucial, especially given AZ’s occasional defensive lapses. The Swedish side’s top scorer, Michael Baidoo, has been pivotal in their Europa League qualifying campaign and will be key to their chances of getting on the scoresheet at the AFAS Stadion.
• AZ’s Defensive Vulnerabilities
  Despite their attacking success, AZ have shown some defensive frailties, conceding in their last two matches. While they have managed four clean sheets in six Eredivisie matches, their most recent encounter against Zwolle saw them concede, indicating that Elfsborg could exploit these weaknesses, particularly through set-pieces and counter-attacks.

Our Tips

AZ Alkmaar will host Elfsborg at the AFAS Stadion on Wednesday in their opening match of the Europa League group stage. The Dutch outfit are entering this fixture on the back of a superb domestic run, while the Swedish side are nearing the end of their league campaign with hopes still alive for European qualification. This encounter will mark the first time these two sides meet, with AZ eager to showcase their form and Elfsborg looking to make their mark on the European stage after a long hiatus.

AZ have made a flying start to their domestic season, finding themselves in the top four of the Eredivisie, only trailing PSV Eindhoven due to the latter’s flawless start. Manager Maarten Martens has benefitted from not having to contend with early European qualifiers, which has allowed his side to focus entirely on their league campaign. With a well-balanced squad, AZ have shown their attacking prowess, highlighted by a 9-1 thrashing of Heerenveen recently. Conversely, Elfsborg have experienced a resurgence in their domestic league, losing just once in their last 19 games, which has put them back in contention for European spots. However, they might struggle to carry that form into this European clash against an in-form AZ side.

Best Bet: AZ Alkmaar to Win and Both Teams to Score

The best bet for this match is to back AZ Alkmaar to win while both teams find the net. AZ’s attacking form has been impressive, with the side scoring 16 goals in their first six Eredivisie matches. Ibrahim Sadiq and Troy Parrott have both been in good form, with Sadiq netting four goals so far. This attacking capability is likely to cause problems for an Elfsborg defence that has conceded 34 goals in 24 Allsvenskan matches this season.

Despite AZ’s attacking might, there are some defensive frailties they need to address. They have kept just four clean sheets in six matches, and their recent 2-1 victory over Zwolle suggests they can be vulnerable to teams that can apply pressure. Elfsborg have shown they can score goals, managing 45 in 24 matches, which includes eight headed goals—something AZ’s defence may struggle with.

AZ’s home form has also been a key factor in their success. They’ve won their last three home matches convincingly, and their attack has flourished in these fixtures. However, their defence remains susceptible to counter-attacks, which is where Elfsborg, with players like Michael Baidoo, could find opportunities. Baidoo has been a standout performer for the Swedish side, contributing significantly in their Europa League qualifying campaign. His six goal involvements in qualifying showcase his ability to trouble AZ’s defence, particularly if Elfsborg can break quickly.

The BettingTips4You.com expert, Robin Bylund, sums it up: “AZ are likely to be too strong for Elfsborg, but their defensive lapses could see the Swedish side nick a goal. With the form Sadiq and Parrott are in, it’s hard to see AZ not scoring multiple times, but expect Elfsborg to get on the scoresheet too.” The odds for this outcome should provide decent value, considering AZ’s attacking strength and Elfsborg’s resilience and ability to score.

Correct Score Prediction: AZ Alkmaar 3-1 Elfsborg

With the expectation that AZ will dominate proceedings, the correct score prediction is a 3-1 victory for the hosts. AZ have averaged 2.7 goals per game in the Eredivisie, and they possess the firepower to score multiple goals against a leaky Elfsborg defence. Parrott and Sadiq have been in fine form and should be able to find the back of the net.

Elfsborg, despite their defensive weaknesses, have managed to score in their last eight away games. This indicates they have the capability to breach AZ’s backline, particularly if they exploit AZ’s vulnerabilities in the air. The Swedish side will likely adopt a counter-attacking strategy, utilising the pace and creativity of players like Baidoo and Arbër Zeneli to try and catch AZ on the break.

Given the statistics, Elfsborg could well grab a goal, but they may not have the defensive solidity to withstand AZ’s relentless attacking pressure. This should result in a comfortable, yet not entirely clean, win for AZ, making 3-1 a plausible scoreline. The synergy between AZ’s attacking options and their susceptibility to concede makes this a balanced yet realistic prediction for the match.

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