Athletic vs AZ Alkmaar prediction and betting tips on October 3, 2024
Game Prediction
In the 2nd round of the Europa League group stage on October 3, 2024, Athletic will face AZ Alkmaar. This is the first European match in Bilbao in quite some time, and the home team will do everything to secure a successful outcome.
Athletic vs AZ Alkmaar: key statistics and trends
- Athletic are unbeaten in their last five matches.
- AZ Alkmaar have won seven of their last nine games.
- Athletic win the first half in 46% of matches, while AZ Alkmaar win in 46% of matches.
Our prediction for the match Athletic vs AZ Alkmaar
The Basques finally reminded everyone of their strength last season, marking the second year since Valverde's return to "San Mamés." He broke a 40-year drought by winning the Copa del Rey—the team's last victory in the competition was in 1984! Meanwhile, AZ Alkmaar continued their consistency by securing another fourth-place finish in the Eredivisie.
This summer, AZ lost their top scorer, Vangelis Pavlidis, as well as Sugawara and Odgaard, who both moved to top-tier leagues. Veteran player Bazoer left for Konyaspor in September. However, their new signings, especially Parrott, have been performing well. As a result, their only early setback was a draw against Groningen, but they thrashed Heerenveen 9-1. However, in the last round, they stumbled with a loss to Utrecht. Athletic, managing to keep Nico Williams, had a slow start with only one win and four points in their first four matches. But they have since improved, earning wins or at least draws, like their match against Sevilla.
Both teams started the Europa League from the group stage. Valverde's men managed to secure a draw away at Roma. The Dutch side, led by a brace from Rubén van Bommel (son of the legendary midfielder), won a thrilling 3-2 match at home against Elfsborg.
Athletic vs AZ Alkmaar: Possible Starting Lineups
Athletic (possible lineup): Agirrezabala – Balenziaga, Núñez, Vivian, Gorosabel – Vesga, Ruiz de Galarreta, Berenguer, Unai Gómez, Williams – Djalo
AZ Alkmaar (possible lineup): Owusu-Oduro – Möller Wolfe, Alexandre Penetra, Goes, Meijcoma – Clasie, Koopmeiners, van Bommel, Mijnans, Sadik – Parrott
Head to Head matches: Athletic vs AZ Alkmaar
The clubs previously met in the Europa League in 2015, where AZ came out on top, winning in the Netherlands and drawing in the Basque Country.
Free prediction today for the match Athletic vs AZ Alkmaar
This is the first European match at "San Mamés" after a long break. We predict a home win (odds – 1.7).