Athletic Bilbao vs. AZ Alkmaar: Europa League Preview, Team News, and Predictions

On October 3, 2024, Athletic Bilbao will host AZ Alkmaar at the iconic San Mams stadium in a highly anticipated Europa League match. This encounter promises to be an exciting clash between two teams with distinct styles and recent form.

Team News and Injuries

Athletic Bilbao is dealing with several key injuries, particularly in defense. Goalkeeper Unai Simn, defender Yuri lvarez, and midfielder Oihan Sancet are among the players currently sidelined. However, there is some positive news as Ernesto Valverde has confirmed that Oihan Sancet and Ander Herrera are fit to face AZ Alkmaar. Despite these lineup issues, Athletic Bilbao remains strong and balanced, especially with the presence of Nico Williams, who has been instrumental in recent games.

AZ Alkmaar, on the other hand, is missing Wouter Goes due to injury, which could impact their midfield dynamics. The Dutch side has had a solid start in the Europa League, winning 3-2 against Elfsborg, but they suffered a setback in their last Eredivisie match, losing 2-1 to Utrecht.

Head-to-Head and Recent Form

The two teams last met in the 2015-2016 Europa League season, with AZ Alkmaar winning 2-1 at home and drawing 2-2 away. Currently, Athletic Bilbao is holding fifth place in La Liga and earned a valuable point in their first Europa League game against Roma, thanks to a late goal in the 85th minute. AZ Alkmaar is third in the Eredivisie but has faced recent inconsistency, including their loss to Utrecht.

Athletic Bilbao's recent form has been steady, with the team remaining unbeaten in all competitions. They drew 1-1 against Sevilla in their last La Liga match, showcasing their resilience.

Predictions and Betting Tips

Given the home advantage and Athletic Bilbao's strong defensive record at San Mams, many predict a win for the home team. The Spanish side is known for being tough to beat at home, and their balanced squad is expected to outperform AZ Alkmaar's attacking but vulnerable defense.

Betting tips suggest that there could be over 2.5 goals in the match, given AZ Alkmaar's attacking style and the fact that their last five matches have seen at least three goals scored. Additionally, the match is likely to see more than 4 yellow cards and over 8.5 corners, based on the statistical trends of both teams.

The referee for the match will be Balazs Berke from Hungary, who has averaged 22 fouls and a little over 4 yellow cards per match this season. This could influence the physicality and disciplinary aspects of the game.

Lineups and Key Players

Athletic Bilbao's predicted lineup includes Julen Agirrezabala in goal, with scar de Marcos, Aitor Paredes, Unai Nez, and Iigo Lekue in defense. The midfield is expected to feature Mikel Vesga and Mikel Jauregizar, while Nico Williams and Iaki Williams will likely lead the attack.

AZ Alkmaar's lineup is anticipated to include Rome Jayden Owusu-Oduro, Seiya Maikuma, Bruno Martins Indi, and Alexandre Penetra in defense. The midfield will likely feature Jordy Clasie and Peer Koopmeiners, with Ruben van Bommel and Troy Parrott being key figures in the attack.

Troy Parrott has been a standout player for AZ Alkmaar, scoring six goals and contributing significantly to their attacking prowess. For Athletic Bilbao, Nico Williams' speed and skill on the wing could be a decisive factor in exploiting AZ Alkmaar's defensive vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

The match between Athletic Bilbao and AZ Alkmaar promises to be an intense and exciting encounter, with both teams having the potential to score and create opportunities. The home advantage and recent form suggest a win for Athletic Bilbao, but AZ Alkmaar's attacking capabilities make them a formidable opponent. For more detailed analysis and historical context, you can explore the UEFA Europa League page.

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