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Tottenham v AZ Alkmaar preview: Tottenham face a challenging task as they look to overturn a 1-0 deficit against AZ Alkmaar in the second leg of their Europa League last 16 tie on Thursday night. With the own goal from Lucas Bergvall seperating the sides, Spurs must win by at least two clear goals to progress directly to the quarter-finals.
Key Takeaways – Tottenham v AZ Alkmaar
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Score | AZ lead 1-0 on aggregate from first leg |
| Match Date | Thursday, March 13, 2025 |
| Venue | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London |
| Team News | Kulusevski out for Spurs; Romero and Van de Ven expected to return |
| Key Stat | Tottenham defeated AZ 1-0 at home in group stage (October 2024) |
| Best Bet | Tottenham win and over 2.5 goals (Please note odds are subject to variance, please check Tobibet for all official odds) |
Tottenham’s European Lifeline
With Ange Postecoglou’s side struggling in domestic competition, sitting a dissapointing 13th in the Premier League, the Europa League represents Tottenham’s last realistic chance for silverware this season. The north London outfit are no strangers to European comebacks, but they’ll need to significantly improve on their performance from the first leg in the Netherlands.
Tottenham have been inconsistent in recent weeks, with a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City followed by the loss to AZ and then a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth last weekend. However, their home form in European competitions generally offers more encouragement for betting enthusiasts.
“Spurs need to approach this game with the right mentality,” explains former Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas. “They’ve shown they can beat AZ at home already this season, but they need to be clinical in front of goal.”
AZ Alkmaar’s Defensive Strategy
AZ Alkmaar will undoubtedly set up to defend their slender advantage, with former Tottenham striker Troy Parrott leading their counter-attacking threat. The Irish forward has been in impressive form this season, netting 17 goals across all competitions for the Dutch side.
Despite losing 3-1 to Heerenveen in their last Eredivisie match, AZ have proven to be a tough proposition in Europe. Their 6-3 aggregate victory over Galatasaray in the previous round demonstrated their quality, particularly on the counter-attack.
AZ manager Pascal Jansen is likely to adopt a defensive approach, looking to frustrate Tottenham and potentially nick an away goal that would force the hosts to score three. With Seiya Maikuma and Wouter Goes forming a solid defensive partnership, breaking down the Dutch side may prove challenging for Spurs.
While studying AZ’s approach, it becomes clear they excel in transition moments. When analysing their football strategy, quick breaks from deep positions have been a hallmark of their European campaign.
Team News and Expected Lineups -Tottenham v AZ Alkmaar
Tottenham have received a boost with defenders Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven expected to be available for selection. Their return should strengthen a backline that has looked vulnerable in recent matches. However, creative midfielder Dejan Kulusevski remains sidelined with a foot injury until after the international break.
According to Instagram posts, Van de Ven has been participating in full training this week, suggesting he’s ready to return to the starting lineup.
The hosts are likely to field an attacking side, with Son Heung-min leading the line and supported by Brennan Johnson and Wilson Odobert. James Maddison’s availability remains uncertain due to a calf issue, which could see Lucas Bergvall step into the midfield.
AZ have relatively few injury concerns, with only long-term absentees Sam Westerweld and Lewis Schouten expected to miss out. Troy Parrott will be the focal point of their attack, looking to add to his impressive goal tally against his former club.
Betting Markets and Value Opportunities – Tottenham v AZ Alkmaar
With Tottenham needing to chase the game, several betting markets offer interesting possibilities for punters. The home side are understandably favorites to win the match, but the handicap markets provide more value given the circumstances.
Both teams to score looks like a solid option, with Tottenham’s defensive frailties and AZ’s counter-attacking threat suggesting goals at both ends. Over 2.5 goals also appears likely given the open nature we can expect from this contest.
One market worth considering is Tottenham to win and both teams to score, which offers enhanced odds with most bookmakers including Tobibet. If you’re looking for a more specific outcome, correct score betting on a 3-1 Tottenham victory could provide excellent returns.
For those interested in player markets, Son Heung-min presents an attractive first goalscorer option, while Troy Parrott’s form makes him a tempting anytime goalscorer selection.
The handicap market gives punters an opportunity to back Tottenham at better odds. A -1 handicap (Spurs to win by 2 or more goals) aligns perfectly with what they need to qualify and offers enhanced value. When reviewing recent casino betting patterns, similar handicap markets have delivered strong returns.
Standout Tips
Tottenham win and over 2.5 goals
This selection combines two highly probable outcomes – Tottenham’s need to attack will likely result in goals, while their home advantage should give them the edge. (Please note odds are subject to variance, please check Tobibet for all official odds)
Key Historical Context
The head-to-head record between these teams is perfectly balanced from their two meetings this season. Tottenham claimed a 1-0 victory at home during the group stage in October 2024, while AZ secured an identical scoreline in the first leg last week.
Historically, Tottenham have a strong record in European home games when needing to overturn a deficit. Their passionate home support could play a crucial role in pushing the team forward on Thursday night.
When examining the data, Tottenham’s attacking metrics at home show significant improvement compared to their away performnces. This aligns with expert betting tips suggesting home advantage could be decisive.
FAQ Section
Question: What happens if Tottenham win by exactly one goal? A: If Tottenham win by exactly one goal (e.g., 1-0), the aggregate score will be 1-1, sending the tie to extra time and potentially penalties.
Q: Does the away goals rule apply in this competition? A: No, the away goals rule has been abolished in UEFA competitions, meaning goals scored away from home do not count double in the event of a tie.
Question: Who awaits the winner in the quarter-finals? A: The quarter-final draw will take place after all the round of 16 ties are completed, with no seeding or country protection in place.
Q: What are Tottenham’s odds to win the Europa League? A: Tottenham remain among the favorites to win the competition, but their odds have lengthened following the first leg defeat. (Please note odds are subject to variance, please check Tobibet for all official odds)
