🗓️ UEFA Europa League – Round of 16 First Leg 🏆 AZ Alkmaar vs Tottenham Hotspur 🏟 AFAS Stadion
The UEFA Europa League Round of 16 brings a tough challenge for AZ Alkmaar, who return to this stage of the competition for the first time in over a decade. Facing one of the tournament’s favourites, Tottenham Hotspur, the Dutch side will need to overturn their poor record against English clubs. These two teams have already crossed paths in the group stage, with Spurs narrowly winning 1-0 in London.
🔎 PREDICTIONS FOR AZ ALKMAAR VS TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
🏆 FINAL RESULT – WHO WILL PREVAIL?
💥 AZ Alkmaar Win
The Dutch side will rely on their solid home form and the firepower of Troy Parrott, who has scored in four of their last six home games. Tottenham’s leaky defense, having conceded in all four away group matches, could give AZ the edge.
⚖️ Draw
It’s hard to make the case for the draw, considering Tottenham’s last stalemate was in December. AZ have drawn two of their last four games 2-2, including the second leg of their last Europa League tie against Galatasaray, while the two teams could be evenly matched. Spurs’ erratic form could tip the scales towards this outcome.
✅ Tottenham Hotspur Win
Despite their struggles in the Premier League, Spurs remain strong contenders in the Europa League. Coach Ange Postecoglou seems to be steering the team out of their injury crisis, and with a week’s rest after the narrow defeat against Manchester City, they should be in better physical condition.
⚽ TOTAL GOALS OVER/UNDER
🔥 Over 2.5 Goals
Both teams have shown attacking capabilities. AZ’s offensive output at home and Spurs’ tendency to score but not keep clean sheets suggest a high-scoring encounter.
🛑 Under 2.5 Goals
A more cautious approach from both sides could result in a tight, tactical battle, especially with qualification on the line.
🤝 BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE
✅ Yes
Four of AZ’s five home games in this Europa League campaign have seen both teams score, and the same happened in all four of Tottenham’s away matches.
🚫 No
If either side opts for a conservative approach or struggles to break down the opponent’s defence, a low-scoring affair with only one team on the scoresheet is possible.
⭐ ANYTIME GOALSCORERS
⚡ Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar)
The former Tottenham player is in fine form at home, finding the net in four of AZ’s last six matches at the AFAS Stadion.
🎯 Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham Hotspur)
Though not a prolific scorer, Sarr has been a lucky charm for Spurs this season – they have won all five matches in which he has found the net.
BETTING TIPS – TOP PICKS!
📈 Over 1.5 Goals in the second half
📈 Both Team To Score
