Ath Bilbao vs AZ Alkmaar prediction: EUROPE: Europa League – League phase betting tips on match 2024-10-02 19:00.
[p]Having grabbed their first major piece of silverware in 40 years last season, Athletic Club will want to keep the good times rolling as they welcome AZ Alkmaar on matchday two of the UEFA Europa League (UEL). The Lions are proving a tough nut to crack this term, as demonstrated by their late goal to rescue a 1-1 draw with Roma in their UEL opener which forms part of a five-match unbeaten run in all competitions (W3, D2). [/p]
[p]Ernesto Valverde’s men could only back that up with another 1-1 draw against Sevilla at the weekend. Athletic may well be crying out for a prolific scorer given that their last ten goals have been netted by eight different players, so unlocking the likes of Euro 2024 winner Nico Williams could be key to replicating their run to the final of this competition in 2011/12![/p]
[p]Despite losing their first competitive game in 13 last time out (W10, D2) in a 2-1 defeat to Utrecht, AZ won’t be arriving at San Mamés with fear. They triumphed on matchday one of this competition last week by beating Elfsborg 3-2, although their travelling record in this competition is notoriously poor, losing five of their last six such away trips (W1). [/p]
[p]But they have kept five clean sheets from their last six away trips in all competitions, so perhaps this is the perfect moment to turn things around. Especially considering their impressive record against Spanish opposition, with AZ having won half of their 16 such H2Hs (D5, L3), including a valiant 2-2 draw at this venue back in 2015! Â [/p]
[p]Key battle: With two goals from his last four outings, including a strike in Athletic’s UEL draw against Roma, defender Aitor Paredes will be looking for his side’s first clean sheet in five UEL outings dating back to December 2017! But watch out for AZ winger Ibrahim Sadiq, who has a whopping six direct goal contributions from his last four matches (G3, A3), and three first-half goals for his side from their last five away fixtures![/p]
[p]Hot streak: AZ have scored a first-half goal in each of their last seven wins.[/p]
[p][i]Written by Luke Bridle[/i][/p]