On Thursday, October 3, 2024, Athletic Bilbao will host AZ Alkmaar in a highly anticipated Europa League match at the San Mams stadium. This encounter marks Athletic Bilbao's return to European competition after a significant absence, and the team is eager to make a strong impression in front of their home crowd.
Match Preview
Athletic Bilbao had a stellar season in La Liga last term, finishing in the top five for the first time in over eight years and securing a spot in the Europa League. They started their European campaign with a commendable 1-1 draw against Serie A side Roma, thanks to a late goal from Aitor Paredes at the Stadio Olimpico.
AZ Alkmaar, on the other hand, has been in strong form in the Eredivisie, finishing fourth in each of their last two campaigns. Despite a brilliant start to the 2024-25 season, including a 3-2 win over Elfsborg in the Europa League, AZ Alkmaar suffered a setback last weekend with a 2-1 loss to Utrecht at home. Head coach Maarten Martens will be looking for a positive response from his team in this crucial European fixture.
Team News and Injuries
Athletic Bilbao will be without several key players due to injuries. Unai Simn, the Spanish international goalkeeper, remains out with a wrist injury and is not expected to return until after the upcoming break. Other absentees include Yeray lvarez (hamstring), Oihan Sancet (hamstring), Beat Prados (muscle), and Ander Herrera (adductor).
For AZ Alkmaar, Sem Westerveld and Lewis Schouten will miss the game due to injuries. However, Mayckel Lahdo and Denso Kasius, who featured as substitutes in the last match, are expected to be promoted to the starting lineup.
Predicted Lineups
Athletic Bilbao's predicted lineup includes Julen Agirrezabala in goal, with a defensive line of scar de Marcos, Aitor Paredes, Unai Nez, and Iigo Lekue. The midfield will likely feature Mikel Vesga, Mikel Jauregizar, and Unai Gmez, while the forward line could include Alejandro Berenguer Remiro, Nico Williams, and Iaki Williams.
AZ Alkmaar's lineup is expected to include Rome Jayden Owusu-Oduro in goal, with a defensive quartet of Seiya Maikuma, Bruno Martins Indi, Alexandre Penetra, and David Mller Wolfe. The midfield will be anchored by Jordy Clasie and Peer Koopmeiners, while the attack will be led by Troy Parrott, Ruben van Bommel, and Mayckel Lahdo.
Betting Tips and Predictions
Given the recent form and team dynamics, there is a strong likelihood that both teams will score in this match. Athletic Bilbao has seen 'both teams to score' bets won in each of their last three games, and AZ Alkmaar has also struggled defensively, conceding two or more goals in each of their last two matches.
Despite Athletic Bilbao's strong home record, AZ Alkmaar is tipped to avoid defeat, with some predictions favoring a draw or a narrow win for the visitors. The match promises to be an exciting and closely contested affair, reflecting the competitive nature of the Europa League.
Athletic Bilbao's home advantage and their recent performance against Roma suggest they could secure a win, but AZ Alkmaar's ability to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities makes them a formidable opponent. The match will be a test of both teams' resilience and tactical prowess.
For more information on the Europa League and its history, you can visit the UEFA Europa League page on Wikipedia.
