AZ Alkmaar vs Anderlecht prediction: EUROPE: Europa Conference League – Play Offs betting tips on match 2023-04-19 16:45.
Semi-finalists in the UEFA Cup back in 2005, AZ Alkmaar have a mountain to climb after a 2-0 first-leg defeat to Anderlecht in this UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL) quarter-final tie. However, with the âaway goalsâ rule no longer in place, the Dutch side can throw everything at their visitors in order to maintain a perfect UECL home record this term (W7).
Still, it has been 16 years since AZ managed to even level a tie after a first-leg deficit of two goals in any post-group stage UEFA knockout tie and proceed. That means they must show the ability to start and finish well, possibly by continuing a trend that has seen them score either side of half-time in all of their four UECL proper home fixtures this term.
Only a total collapse from Anderlecht will see them denied a first continental semi-final in 33 years. While they travel on the back of a 5-2 loss against Genk, Brian Riemerâs men are often the envy of defences in this competition, especially when going abroad where all four of the Paars-witâs prior European away wins this season were accompanied by a shutout.
Satisfyingly for Anderlecht fans with longer memories, the UEFA Cup winners of 1983 are also primed to avenge their Europa League elimination to AZ in 2012. But there is also a wider club agenda across the border too, with no Anderlecht side getting an away win against Dutch opponents since conquering the nationâs greatest club (Ajax) 3-1 in December 2009.
Players to watch: Jens Odgaard opened the scoring in AZâs 3-0 Eredivisie victory over Sittard at the weekend, ending a run of more than two months without a goal. Ten years his senior, Islam Slimani has the experience that could be an asset to Anderlecht, especially after netting their Round of 16 away leg winner against Villarreal a month ago.
Hot stat: None of AZâs four previous home clashes in this seasonâs UECL proper have seen them get a shutout.