AEK Larnaca vs AZ Alkmaar prediction: EUROPE: Conference League – League phase betting tips on match 2025-10-01 19:00.
[p]Two teams with 14 European qualifying games between them this season, AEK Larnaca and AZ Alkmaar, begin their league phase journey in the UEFA Conference League this Thursday.[/p]
[p]Match News and Current Form[/p]
[p]Larnaca missed out on the UEFA Europa League (UEL) at the play-off stage with a 6-1 aggregate defeat to Brann and so instead claimed the consolation prize of a spot in the Conference League main draw for the first time. The Yellow-Greens were particularly strong in their (UEL) qualifiers at home, winning the first, second and third round fixtures at the AEK Arena, while their 4-0 loss against Brann represents their only defeat as hosts in 17 matches (W13, D3) across all competitions! Even with such solid home form, they only sit fifth in the Cypriot First Division, which perhaps indicates they tend to prioritise Europe.[/p]
[p]Despite failing to win any of their last three games (D2, L1), Alkmaar are also in fifth position in their domestic league and picked up victories in both of their last two European away matches during the Conference League qualifiers. Those wins on the continent were particularly impressive as Maarten Martens’ side had failed to come out on top in any of their previous 11 away games in Europe (D3, L8), conceding 2+ goals in ten of those fixtures. The Cheese Farmers reached the semi-final of this competition in 2022/23, losing to eventual winners West Ham, and were knocked out of the Europa League last season by Tottenham Hotspur, who also went on to lift the trophy, so they do have plenty of European pedigree.[/p]
[p]Head-to-Head History[/p]
[p]This is the first time that the sides will go H2H and the first time that Larnaca will play a side from the Netherlands. Alkmaar took on Apollon Limassol twice (W1, L1) during the group stage of the 2022/23 Conference League, the only time they have previously faced Cypriot opposition.[/p]
[p]Hot Stats and Streaks[/p]
[p]Larnaca have scored 2+ goals in four of their last five home games.[/p]
[p]There have been eight red cards across Larnaca’s last 12 games across all competitions.[/p]
[p]There has been a sending off in three of Alkmaar’s last five matches.[/p]
[p]Five of Alkmaar’s last six games saw both teams score.[/p]
[p]Key Players to Watch and Missing Players[/p]
[p]Hrvoje Miličević has scored in three of Larnaca’s last four games but has also picked up a yellow card in each of his last three appearances. Ibrahim Sadiq got Alkmaar’s only goal on Sunday and has scored or been booked in four of their last five away games (G3, Y2).[/p]
[p]Enric Saborit is suspended for Larnaca, while Peer Koopmeiners is a doubt for Alkmaar after picking up an injury on Sunday.[/p]
[p]For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre[/p]
[p]Betting Analysis[/p]
[p]With red cards commonplace across both teams’ fixtures of late, we recommend backing a sending off in the match.[/p]
[p][i]Author: Tom Penn[/i][/p]