Prediction: AZ Alkmaar vs Aston Villa

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Luckster

Turning their attention back to Europa Conference League duties on Thursday evening, Aston Villa will travel to Holland when they meet AZ Alkmaar.

AZ Alkmaar

Starting with the hosts, while AZ Alkmaar might have suffered Europa Conference League semi-final heartbreak at the hands of West Ham last season, the Dutch outfit certainly haven’t shown any signs of a hangover. Really flying out of the traps since opening up the 2023/24 campaign and riding a major wave of momentum, Pascal Jansen’s side have continued to shine on either side of October’s international break. Marking their return to domestic duties over the weekend as they cruised their way to a stellar 3-0 romp against Heerenveen, the Cheese Farmers have won each of their previous four appearances across all formats. Likewise, last seen in Europa Conference League action claiming a 1-0 victory against Legia Warsaw, some in Alkmaar’s camp might be smelling the opportunity to spring a heavyweight upset in midweek. Not suffering a single defeat in front of their own supporters since the end of May, Jansen’s men will be relishing a return to European duties on Thursday evening.

Team News

Still dealing with a long-term foot injury and not making a single appearance since the end of August, AZ Alkmaar will once again be without the services of 25-year-old defender Mees de Wit on Thursday evening. Likewise, youngster Sem Westerveld will also play no part here as the 21-year-old recovers from a knee injury.

Bagging a stellar hat-trick against Heerenveen over the weekend and now finding the net in each of his six appearances across all competitions, Greece international Vangelis Pavlidis will spearhead Alkmaar’s charge here.

Aston Villa

As for the visitors, marking their return from October’s international break with a stunning display on home soil, Aston Villa have only continued to gain a string of plaudits under the guidance of Unai Emery. With the mood in their camp at a red-hot high, the one-time Arsenal boss has his sights set on mounting a genuine Europa Conference League charge this season, the Premier League outfit will be looking to lay down another marker here. Picking up a thumping 4-1 romp against West Ham a few days ago, Villa have gained a reputation for their clinical performances in the final third. With their recent purple patch underlined by a stunning 6-1 victory against Brighton last month, Emery’s side will now be hoping to find some recent stability on the road. Including a 3-2 defeat against Legia Warsaw when opening their European adventure last month, Thursday’s guests have won just one of their previous four showdowns outside of the Midlands.

Team News

All still dealing with respective long-term knee injuries, Aston Villa will travel over to Holland without the trio of Emi Buendia, Tyrone Mings and Kortney Hause. Likewise, still yet to make a single appearance since opening up the new campaign, Emery will also be without the services of former Real Betis defender Alex Moreno here.

Once again finding the net against West Ham over the weekend and notching six goals in his previous seven appearances for club and country, the red-hot Ollie Watkins will spearhead Emery’s charge on Thursday evening.

Key Factors to Consider

• AZ Alkmaar have won each of their previous four appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 10-1.
• Aston Villa have scored 11 Premier League goals in just their last three appearances on either side of October’s international break.
• However, Emery’s side have recorded just a single win from their previous four contests away from Villa Park.
• England international Ollie Watkins has scored six goals in his previous seven appearances for club and country.
• On a similar note, Alkmaar talisman Vangelis Pavlidis has found the net in each of his last six appearances across all competitions.

Conclusion

Two sides who have continued to gain a reputation for their free-scoring performances in the final third, neutrals could be treated to a thrilling affair on Thursday evening. While Aston Villa might have claimed a thumping 4-1 victory against West Ham on their return from the international break last weekend, Emery’s side have shown some extended issues on the road. Recording just a single win from any of their previous four showdowns outside of the Midlands, chances could come thick and fast at the AFAS Stadion in midweek. Likewise, with Villa seeing four of their last five contests finish with both teams finding the net, we are expecting a similar outcome here.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Luckster