Match preview: Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar, 02:00 on October 25, as part of Matchday 3 of the Europa League 2024/25 group stage.
Analysis of Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar’s form
Tottenham is displaying two contrasting faces in the Premier League and the Europa League. While in the Premier League, Spurs have been inconsistent with 4 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses, in the prestigious second-tier European competition, they have won all 2 matches, scoring 5 goals and conceding only once.
In both official competitions this season, Tottenham has always scored at least 1 goal, except for their 0-1 defeat to Arsenal at home in the top flight. This means that fans can trust Son Heung-min and his teammates’ ability to penetrate the opponent’s defense.
At home, Tottenham has also been explosive. Apart from the defeat to Arsenal, they have won 4 matches so far this season and scored a total of 14 goals, averaging 3.5 goals per match. It can be said that Ange Postecoglou’s team is one of the most exciting teams to watch this season.
Additionally, although they have never faced AZ Alkmaar, Tottenham has a commanding record against Dutch teams in European cups, winning 13, drawing 5, and losing only 5 out of 23 encounters. In contrast, AZ Alkmaar has faced English teams 14 times in Europe, winning only 2, drawing 5, and losing 7.
Notably, AZ Alkmaar has not won any of their last 5 matches against English representatives, including 2 draws and 3 defeats, with both draws occurring on their home soil.
It is quite difficult for AZ to hope for a positive result at Tottenham this time, especially considering their poor current form. Maarten Martens’ team has lost all 4 of their recent matches across all competitions, including a defeat in the Europa League against Bilbao in the previous round.
Latest team news for Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar
Djed Spence and Wilson Odobert are two notable absentees for the home side, Tottenham.
On the other hand, AZ Alkmaar’s most notable player missing in this away match to North London is former Southampton midfielder, Jordy Clasie.
Expected lineups for Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar
Tottenham (4-3-3): Vicario; Pedro Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Kulusevski, Bissouma, Maddison; Johnson, Solanke, Son Heung-Min.
AZ Alkmaar (4-2-3-1): Owusu-Oduro; Maikuma, Alexandre Penetra, Dekker, Møller Wolfe; Buurmeester, Belic; Poku, Mijnans, Van Bommel, Parrott.
Clearly, despite not having their strongest squad, Tottenham still has many advantages, such as recent form, home ground, and a star-studded lineup, to secure an impressive victory against AZ Alkmaar.