AZ Alkmaar vs Galatasaray Predictions

AZ Alkmaar vs Galatasaray Predictions for this Europa League clash. AZ Alkmaar host Galatasaray at the AFAS Stadion on Thursday night for the first leg of their Europa League playoff tie. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.

Europa League | Feb 13, 2025 at 8pm UK at AFAS Stadion

AZ Alkmaar vs Galatasaray Predictions

Will AZ Alkmaar Make Home Advantage Count Against Galatasaray?

• Galatasaray have been involved in high-scoring matches all season
  • Every one of their eight Europa League games has seen both teams score, with a total of 35 goals across those fixtures.
• AZ Alkmaar’s home form is strong but not flawless
  • The Dutch side have lost only two of their last 35 home matches across all competitions, but they have suffered three defeats in their last seven home knockout ties in Europe.
• Defensive frailties on both sides
  • Galatasaray have managed just two clean sheets in their last 15 matches, while AZ have conceded in six of their last seven European games.

Best Bet for AZ Alkmaar vs Galatasaray

AZ Alkmaar welcome Galatasaray to the AFAS Stadion on Thursday night for the first leg of their Europa League playoff tie, with both sides eager to take a crucial step towards the last 16. The Dutch side have enjoyed a strong domestic run recently, and they will be looking to carry that momentum into Europe, especially given their solid home form.

Galatasaray, on the other hand, arrive in the Netherlands after an eventful week, with their most recent league match abandoned under bizarre circumstances. The Turkish giants have been among the most prolific teams in the Europa League this season, but they will be without key figures due to suspensions and injuries, making this opening leg a real test of their depth.

With both teams showing attacking intent in recent matches and defensive vulnerabilities creeping in at times, this has the makings of an open and entertaining clash. The previous meeting between the sides in the League Phase ended 1-1, but given what’s at stake in this two-legged affair, we could be in for an even more dramatic encounter.

Best Bet for AZ Alkmaar vs Galatasaray: Both Teams to Score

Here at BettingTips4You, we pride ourselves on selecting a single, high-quality prediction per match rather than overwhelming readers with multiple choices. For this encounter, the best bet is Both Teams to Score.

Why Back This Prediction?

There is no denying that both AZ Alkmaar and Galatasaray possess significant attacking quality, and the stats overwhelmingly support the expectation that both sides will find the net.

AZ have been clinical in recent matches, scoring seven goals in their last three outings. Troy Parrott has been particularly sharp, netting twice in his last two Europa League appearances. With support from Mijnans, Addai, and Lahdo, AZ have the firepower to breach a weakened Galatasaray defence.

Galatasaray, meanwhile, have been a goal-scoring machine in Europe. They netted a competition-high 19 goals in the League Phase, more than any other side, and have been consistently involved in high-scoring affairs. They have also seen both teams score in all eight of their Europa League matches this season, a trend that is simply too strong to ignore.

Defensively, neither side is particularly watertight. AZ Alkmaar have only managed two clean sheets in their last seven home knockout ties in European competition, and Galatasaray have struggled to keep teams out, managing just two clean sheets in their last 15 matches across all competitions.

Furthermore, Galatasaray will be without key defensive figures like Davinson Sánchez and Lucas Torreira, while AZ have injury concerns of their own. This could lead to a more open game, with both teams exploiting defensive gaps.

Even when these sides met in the League Phase and played out a 1-1 draw, the expected goals (xG) suggested there should have been at least one more goal in that game. The attacking intent was clear, and with the stakes even higher this time, expect both teams to go for it.

“With both teams showing attacking quality and defensive inconsistencies, this match is primed for goals at both ends. The stats back it up, the team selections make it even more likely, and there’s simply too much firepower on the pitch for a cagey affair.”
— BettingTips4You.com expert Wolfgang Shotten

Likely Correct Score: AZ Alkmaar 2-2 Galatasaray

With both teams keen to gain an advantage but equally determined not to be left with too much to do in the second leg, a 2-2 draw seems a strong possibility. AZ’s home form suggests they will find the net more than once, while Galatasaray’s attacking record in Europe speaks for itself. However, their defensive absences could make it difficult for them to keep a clean sheet, meaning a high-scoring draw looks the most reasonable outcome.

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