A huge night of European soccer is set in the Netherlands on Thursday, as AZ Alkmaar welcome West Ham United to town. The Dutch side will be looking to overturn a 2-1 aggregate disadvantage, having lost the opening clash between the sides at the London Stadium last week.
The Hammers come into this fixture well-rested, as David Moyes opted to rest many of his top stars in their most recent Premier League outing. You can find the latest Europa Conference odds and our AZ Alkmaar vs West Ham United picks here.
AZ Alkmaar vs. West Ham United Odds
The Soccer odds indicate how difficult it will be to make AZ Alkmaar vs West Ham United picks on Thursday.
Moneyline: AZ are currently the narrow favorites in the betting at +160, but they are priced just narrowly shorter than the Hammers at +162. Meanwhile, the draw is the most profitable selection at +240.
Spread: Goals are expected in the Netherlands on Thursday, with over 2.5 match goals available at -118. Meanwhile, both teams to score is also odds-on at -150.
AZ Alkmaar vs.West Ham United Information
AZ Alkmaar vs West Ham United
Location of the Game: AFAS Stadium, Alkmaar, Netherlands.
Date and Time: Thursday, May 18. 3:00 PM ET.
How to Watch: Paramount+
AZ Alkmaar vs. West Ham United Analysis
AZ Alkmaar Performance Recap and Analysis
It was a case of a missed opportunity for AZ last week, as they had West Ham backed into a corner in their away clash against the Hammers. The Dutch outfit led at the break following Tijani Reijinders’ effort, but they squandered that advantage in the second period. Ultimately, they would have been happy to come away from the first leg with just a one-goal deficit.
But, the Dutch side have shown throughout the competition that they have the quality in home matches. They finished top of the Europa Conference standings after winning five from six matches, before eliminating Italian giants Lazio in the round of 16.
AZ then overcame Anderlecht in the quarterfinals, meaning that they have won all eight matches that they have played in the competition at AFAS Stadium.
Key Injuries
AZ will be without Sem Westerveld and Bruno Martins Indi for the return game in the Netherlands this week.
Betting Trends To Follow
AZ’s home record certainly points to a trend worth considering. They have won all eight matches that they have played in front of their own fans in the Europa Conference League, which includes three testing qualifying matches before the group stage. However, they have kept just one home clean sheet in five home matches since the group stage got underway.
West Ham Performance Recap and Analysis
West Ham’s love affair with European competitions has continued throughout the 2022-23 season. But, they will be looking to go one better than they could manage in the Europa League last term, as they were eliminated in the final four 12 months ago. The Hammers certainly needed to stay professional in the first leg, but they were efficient when given their chances.
Said Benrahma levelled the scores from the penalty spot, before they turned the game on its head with 15 minutes remaining following Michail Antonio’s effort. The Hammers have been a prominent Europa Conference prediction to win the competition from an early stage this term. Their performances throughout the tournament have been excellent, as they have won 12 of the 13 matches that they have played.
Key Injuries
David Moyes doesn’t have any fresh injury doubts to assess this week after resting many of his top stars for West Ham’s trip to Brentford last weekend.
Betting Trends To Follow
West Ham have shown themselves to be very professional on their travels in the competition this season, as they have failed to win just once. However, they have scored at least once all six matches that they have played on the road since getting their campaign underway in the qualification round.
AZ Alkmaar vs. West Ham United Betting Picks
We expect to see goals on Thursday when these sides clash, meaning that over 2.5 goals will be among our most prominent AZ Alkmaar vs West Ham United picks.
But, AZ have struggled for clean sheets in home matches, while the Hammers have been prominent in finding the net on their travels. Therefore, we expect the Hammers to reach the final of the Europa Conference League, with a score draw our best bet.
AZ Alkmaar vs. West Ham United Prediction
We expect both teams to score on Thursday, with the Hammers holding on to a draw to secure their spot in the Europa Conference League final and a shot at a first major trophy since 1980.
- Pick: AZ Alkmaar 1-1 West Ham United (+550)
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