AZ Alkmaar and West Ham United will resume hostilities at AFAS Stadion on Thursday night, with a place in the UEFA Europa Conference League final up for grabs.
The Hammers carry a 2-1 lead into the second leg, having come from behind to notch a crucial advantage ahead of Thursday’s decisive meeting in the Netherlands.
AZ Alkmaar took the game to David Moyes’ men at the London Stadium last week, with Tijjani Reijnders putting the Dutch outfit ahead on the stroke of half-time. However, West Ham came out fighting after the break and turned the match around, courtesy of goals from Said Benrahma and Michail Antonio.
Although the visitors enjoyed the lion’s share of the ball in the first leg, the Hammers racked up 18 shots to AZ’s eight. Still, the tie remains in the balance as the two sides prepare to renew acquaintances in Alkmaar.
AZ put the first-leg defeat behind them by thrashing FC Emmen 5-1 on Sunday, with centre-back Sam Beukema bagging a brace in the rout. As a result, the Cheeseheads look destined to secure a top-four finish in the Eredivisie with two matches remaining this term.
It is also worth noting that AZ have won 10 of their previous 17 games across all competitions, keeping seven clean sheets along the way, with 13 victories coming in their 17 European encounters this season.
West Ham, meanwhile, suffered a 2-0 defeat at Brentford last time out, meaning they have lost four of their previous five Premier League clashes. However, Moyes’ side remain six points clear of the relegation zone with two games left, so they are on course to beat the drop.
Let’s not forget that West Ham have also avoided defeat in 13 Conference League matches this term, securing 12 wins in the process. Better still, the Hammers have scored at least two goals in 10 of their European encounters, keeping seven clean sheets for good measure.
On top of that, Moyes’ men made it all the way to the Europa League semi-finals last season, dispatching Sevilla and Lyon in the knockout phase before falling to eventual champions Eintracht Frankfurt. By contrast, AZ’s last European semi-final came back in 2004-05.
In terms of the head-to-head record, AZ Alkmaar and West Ham United met for the very first team last week, meaning we have very little data to analyse when it comes to this fixture.
The hosts will be without the injured duo of Bruno Martins Indi (hip) and Sem Westerveld (knee) for the second leg. AZ’s biggest threat is Greek forward Vangelis Pavlidis, who has chalked up 22 goals and 11 assists this season, including nine goals in 12 European appearances.
As for the visitors, Italian striker Gianluca Scamacca (knee) remains sidelined, while Michail Antonio and Vladimir Coufal are doubts for Thursday’s showdown. With Scamacca ruled out and Antonio struggling for fitness, Danny Ings could lead the line for the Hammers.
Fans in the UK can watch the second leg on BT Sport 1.
Expert Insight: Although West Ham carry a one-goal lead into the second leg, AZ will be hopeful of turning things around in front of their home fans. That said, the Hammers have won five of their six European away games this season, proving that they can triumph in testing circumstances.
Uefa Europa Conference League
Eredivisie
Premier League