As Tottenham Hotspur prepares to host AZ Alkmaar in the second leg of the Europa League Round of 16, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, Spurs face a formidable challenge to overturn the deficit and keep their European aspirations alive. This comprehensive analysis delves into both teams’ recent performances, key statistics, injury updates, and strategic considerations ahead of the crucial encounter.
Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar Recent Form and Performance Analysis
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham’s recent form has been inconsistent, reflecting a season of fluctuating fortunes. In their last ten league matches, Spurs have secured 3 wins, suffered 5 losses, and drawn twice. They have averaged 1.6 goals per game from 4.4 shots on target and 12.9 attempts, maintaining 55.2% possession. Defensively, they have conceded an average of 1.5 goals per game from 4.8 shots on target and 14.5 attempts.
Top performers include Brennan Johnson with 3 goals, while Heung-Min Son and Pedro Porro have each provided 3 assists. Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has recorded one clean sheet in this period.
AZ Alkmaar
AZ Alkmaar enters this fixture with a more favorable record. Over their last ten league games, they have achieved 6 victories, 2 defeats, and 2 draws. The team averages 1.4 goals per game from 5.1 shots on target and 13.4 attempts, with a possession rate of 51.7%. Defensively, they have been robust, conceding an average of 0.9 goals per game from 3.2 shots on target and 8.1 attempts.
Troy Parrott leads their scoring chart with 5 goals, while Peer Koopmeiners has been instrumental with 4 assists. Goalkeepers Rome Owusu-Oduro and Jeroen Zoet have collectively kept 3 clean sheets in their last ten outings.
Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar Tactical Overview
Tottenham Hotspur
Under the guidance of manager Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham has favored a possession-based approach, averaging 57% possession over their last 20 matches. However, this dominance has not always translated into favorable results, with the team failing to win their last three matches and conceding two or more goals in 9 of their last 20 outings.
In the first leg against AZ Alkmaar, Spurs controlled 59% possession but struggled to convert this advantage into goals, ultimately succumbing to a 1-0 defeat.
AZ Alkmaar
AZ Alkmaar has demonstrated tactical flexibility, capable of adapting their playstyle to exploit opponents’ weaknesses. Their recent away form is impressive, with 6 wins in their past 10 away matches and an ability to score two or more goals in 10 of their last 20 games.
In the first leg, AZ showcased defensive resilience, limiting Tottenham’s chances and capitalizing on their opportunities to secure a vital victory.
Strategic Considerations
Tottenham Hotspur
To overturn the deficit, Spurs must adopt a more clinical approach in the final third. The potential return of key defenders could provide the stability needed to commit more players forward. Manager Ange Postecoglou has emphasized the importance of delivering a strong performance at home to progress to the Europa League quarterfinals.
AZ Alkmaar
AZ is likely to employ a strategy that leverages their defensive solidity while exploiting counter-attacking opportunities. Their ability to perform in high-pressure away matches could be pivotal in maintaining their aggregate advantage.
Predicted Lineups
Tottenham Hotspur (4-2-3-1):
- Goalkeeper: Guglielmo Vicario
- Defenders: Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie
- Midfielders: Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray, James Maddison
- Forwards: Brennan Johnson, Dominic Solanke, Heung-Min Son
AZ Alkmaar (4-3-3):
- Goalkeeper: Rome Owusu-Oduro
- Defenders: Seiya Maikuma, Wouter Goes, Alexandre Penetra, David Moeller Wolfe
- Midfielders: Jordy Clasie, Zico Buurmeester, Peer Koopmeiners
- Forwards: Ernest Poku, Troy Parrott, Ibrahim Sadiq
Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar Betting Insights
Bookmakers have assigned Tottenham a 70% chance of winning, with odds of 1.42 for a Spurs victory. AZ Alkmaar is considered the underdog, with odds of 6.50. The over/under for total goals is set at 2.5, with both teams to score (Yes) priced at 1.80.
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Conclusion
The upcoming clash between Tottenham Hotspur and AZ Alkmaar promises to be a thrilling encounter. Spurs must navigate defensive frailties and capitalize on their attacking prowess to overturn the first-leg deficit. Conversely, AZ Alkmaar’s disciplined approach and effective counter-attacking strategy position them favorably to advance. Football enthusiasts can anticipate a match filled with tactical intrigue and high stakes as both teams vie for a coveted spot in the Europa League quarterfinals.
