Europa League: BK Hacken v AZ Alkmaar preview and predictions

5.30pm Thursday

AZ Alkmaar failed to make the most of their dominance when drawing 0-0 at home to Hacken in the first leg of their Europa League qualifier last week but are worthy favourites to win the return match in Sweden.

Hacken were delighted with the outcome in Holland but AZ are still warm 1-2 favourites to progress.

Playing at home will put a greater onus on Hacken to take the game to the opposition.

However, opening up will expose them to greater risk against a team with dangerous attacking players.

Free-scoring AZ netted 64 times in 34 Dutch top-flight matches last season with midfielder Guus Till leading the way on 12 goals.

They fielded an inexperienced forward line in the first leg, featuring 17-year-old Myron Boadu playing through the middle and 20-year-old Calvin Stengs and 22-year-old Albert Gudmundsson operating on the flanks.

But head coach John Van Den Brom has other options, including centre-forward Ferdy Druijf, who netted 15 goals in 18 appearances while on loan at Dutch second-tier club NAC Breda last term.

And Van Den Brom's side should be fitter and sharper this time because they will have had one eye on reaching peak fitness for this Sunday's Eredivisie league opener at home to Fortuna Sittard.

Hacken are more than halfway through their domestic campaign although their slim title hopes were diminished on Sunday by a 2-0 defeat away to Djurgarden.

They have won six of their eight domestic home games but AZ are stronger than the sides they play week-in, week-out and are likely to make their extra quality count.

Recommendation
AZ Alkmaar
1pt 6-4 Betway, Coral, Ladbrokes

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