Tottenham Hotspur Vs AZ Alkmaar Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | UEFA Europa League

Tottenham Hotspur Vs AZ Alkmaar Preview

Tournament: UEFA Europa League

Date: Friday, March 13

Kick-off time: 20:00 GMT

Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Tottenham Hotspur are set to welcome AZ Alkmaar in the second leg of the round of 16 of the UEFA Europa League at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium looking to turn the deficit here and secure their berth in the quarter final.

Tottenham Hotspur have endured a tough campaign this season with the team occupying the 13th spot in the Premier League. However, they have a golden opportunity to secure their place in next season's UEFA Champions League if they manage to win this competition. But the task is huge having lost the first leg with a narrow 1-0 margin. Nevertheless, they have the quality in their squad to change the deficit.

The last five matches have been decent for them having picked two wins, one draw, and losing another two. Injuries haven't helped either with the team missing several key players throughout the campaign. Brennan Johnson and James Maddison are currently leading the goalscoring chart for them with nine goals and Son Heung-Min providing the most assists (9).

Meanwhile, Dutch Outfit AZ Alkmaar have also endured mixed form in the league having occupied sixth spot in the overall standings. However, they have done well in this competition securing a 1-0 victory in the first leg to take a closer step to the quarter-final. Maarten Martens has made a well-drilled side who are defensively compact at the back and doesn't let the opponents have many chances in the box.

They will be the happier squad between the two after getting more breaks than their opponents to prepare for the match. In the last nine matches, they have just lost once remaining unbeaten in the other eight fixtures. Troy Parrott, their former academy prodigy is currently leading the goalscoring chart with 12 goals and Peer Koopmeiners providing the most assists (4).

Tottenham Hotspur Team News

The Lilywhites will be without several players for this crucial tie. Rodrigo Bentancur misses out here due to suspension. The other absentees are Radu Dragusin who is dealing with a cruciate ligament injury and Ben Davies is in major doubt due to muscle injury. However, the biggest miss for them is Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison who bring a threat in the final third and are dealing with a foot and calf injury respectively.

AZ Alkmaar Team News

The visitors are also dealing with the same injury concerns at the moment. Teenage sensation Jayden Addai is suffering from an ankle injury, Mayckel Lahdo from a foot injury, and Sven Mijnans from an Achilles tendon injury.

Also, there are two possible doubts about the clash as Ruben van Bommel and Sem Westerveld are recovering from leg and knee injuries. However, the good news for them is Mexx Meerdink is back in training from injury and will be available for selection here.

Tottenham Hotspur Vs AZ Alkmaar Predicted Lineups

Tottenham Hotspur predicted lineup (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Vicario

Defenders: Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Spence

Midfielders: Sarr, Bergvall, Maddison

Attackers: Johnson, Solanke, Son

AZ Alkmaar predicted lineup (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Owusu-Oduro

Defenders: Maikuma, Goes, Penetra, Moller Wolfe

Midfielders: Clasie, Buurmeester, Koopmeiners

Attackers: Poku, Parrott, Sadiq

Tottenham Hotspur Vs AZ Alkmaar H2H Record

Tottenham Hotspur and AZ Alkmaar have only faced each other two times before this clash with each team winning one match.

Key players to watch in Tottenham Hotspur Vs AZ Alkmaar

Pape Sarr (Tottenham Hotspur)

The Senegalese international has been one of the standout players in the team who has consistently delivered the results for them. This season, he has registered six goals and two assists in all competitions despite being known for his defensive attributes.

In the UEL itself, he has found the back of the net two times despite making only four starts. In this, he has racked up 27 ball recoveries, seven tackles, and four interceptions while also making a crucial block as he doesn't shy away from putting his body on the line.

Peer Koopmeiners (AZ Alkmaar)

Peer Koopmeiners has emerged as a combative defensive midfielder for the visitors who covers a lot of ground for them while making crucial interceptions and tackles to disrupt the opposition's play.

He has 11 appearances in this competition and has racked up impressive stats which consist of 38 ball recoveries, 10 tackles, and 15 interceptions while also making four crucial blocks. With Tottenham playing more on the counter, he will be crucial here to help the team defensively.

Tottenham Hotspur Vs AZ Alkmaar Prediction

This clash will be an interesting one as this tie is far from over as Tottenham have all the tools to turnaround the tie with the quality they have in their squad. Credit must be given to the visitors who put a defensive masterclass in the first leg but will they do it again remains the question. With the home advantage on their side, the home side will be slight favorites here to progress to the next round.

Predicted Score: Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 AZ Alkmaar

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