AZ vs West Ham predictions for Thursday’s Europa Conference League semi-final. West Ham look are looking to get the job completed after their narrow win in London last week. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Match Live Thursday, 18th May at 8:00 pm In:
AZ Alkmaar vs West Ham United Predictions
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West Ham’s Quest for Glory: Navigating a Challenging Europa Conference League Semi-Final
Key Stats
– Both teams have scored in each of West Ham’s last three Europa Conference League matches.
– Michail Antonio have scored five goals in his last seven appearances.
West Ham United’s Long-Awaited Silverware
It’s been a staggering 43 years since West Ham United lifted a trophy, but now the Hammers have an opportunity to change that narrative as they face a challenging Europa Conference League semi-final second leg against AZ Alkmaar. With a 2-1 first-leg lead under their belt, West Ham will need to be cautious in the Netherlands, considering AZ’s previous comeback victory against Anderlecht in the quarterfinal.
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The Current State of West Ham United
Despite not having a spectacular season, David Moyes’ squad is virtually safe from Premier League relegation. They hold a six-point lead over the drop zone and have a superior goal difference with just two games left. The Hammers will play third-bottom Leeds next. A European victory would cement legendary status for West Ham in London’s east end.
AZ Alkmaar’s Threatening Form
AZ Alkmaar’s recent form is nothing short of intimidating. A 5-1 thrashing of Emmen and a draw against Ajax in their previous league game showcase their potential. Moreover, their victories against Lazio in an earlier round prove that they are dangerous opponents. West Ham must not underestimate the Dutch side.
A Close Contest
The bookies have AZ as slight favourites at 33/20, while West Ham stands at 15/8. The draw is at 5/2. AZ has 11/4 odds to qualify, and West Ham is at 1/4. The first leg saw West Ham emerge victorious with a 2-1 scoreline after AZ took the lead at the London Stadium.
Key Players to Watch
Greek striker Evangelos Pavlidis has scored 22 goals this season for club and country. He has 15/8 odds to score at any time. Said Benrahma, who scored in the first leg to bring West Ham back into the tie, is at 11/4 to score. Both players could play pivotal roles in the outcome of the match.
Analysing the Possibilities
Last season, West Ham suffered a heartbreaking loss in the Europa League semi-final, and history could repeat itself in the Europa Conference League. Though a Premier League team should, in theory, outperform modest Dutch opposition, AZ have demonstrated their resilience and skill in Europe this season.
A Bet Builder To Dream Big: Said Benrahma To Score, West Ham To Win & Under 3 Goals In The Match
Said Benrahma has been in fine form, scoring in the first leg from the penalty spot and helping the Hammers secure a crucial 2-1 lead. With two goals in nine Europa Conference League matches and a 7% goal conversion rate, Benrahma has demonstrated his ability to be a game-changer. The Algerian is 11/4 to net with bet365, making him a strong candidate for our treble bet builder.
West Ham’s recent performances and their advantage in the first leg indicate that they have the edge in this matchup. The Hammers have shown resilience in the competition, and their determination to secure a long-awaited trophy will undoubtedly fuel their drive to win this game.
Furthermore, both teams have strong offensive capabilities, but their defences have also demonstrated their abilities. This is likely to be a nervy affair which might be decided by fine margins, so I won’t be surprised to see a blocked game with not many goals. Considering this, it seems likely that the match will feature under three goals in total, contributing to our 18/1 treble bet builder offered by William Hill.
Hammers to ‘just’ make it to the final
West Ham’s offence, led by the likes of Michail Antonio and Saïd Benrahma, has been consistent in finding the back of the net. At the same time, both teams have displayed vulnerabilities in their defences, further justifying our prediction of a 1-1 scoreline.
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