Prediction: Celtic vs AZ Alkmaar

Prediction: Celtic win

Best Odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: 888sport

Domestic football is well and truly up and running but there’s also a lot to be said for the qualifying stages of the three main European competitions. The Champions League and Conference League are both up and running and that’s also true for the Europa League – which we don’t feel gets the credit it deserves for the role it plays in the European landscape. Today, we’re going to take a look at what has the potential to be a really fun tie between Celtic and AZ Alkmaar with the first leg being right around the corner.

Celtic

The chance to win ten in a row in the league has been and gone with Celtic being dethroned by Rangers last season. Now, they’re back to being a side that can occasionally make waves in the Champions League and Europa League whilst spending most of their time on domestic matters. That doesn’t really seem like a strong enough fit for a team with their potential and size, so perhaps they need to rethink their strategy.

AZ Alkmaar

AZ have enjoyed sporadic moments of glory over the years but for the most part, they’ve been forced to play second fiddle to the ongoing rivalry between PSV Eindhoven and Ajax. The pair have controlled Dutch football for the longest time with Alkmaar making up the “best of the rest” standings. This season, however, they feel as if they’ve got a solid base with which to build on both in the league and in Europe.

Factors to Consider

• Celtic finished 2nd in the Scottish Premiership whereas AZ finished 3rd in Eredivisie.
• Celtic have won four and lost two of their last six games.
• AZ have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six games.
• Celtic have scored 18 goals and conceded eight in their last six games.
• AZ have scored nine goals and conceded four in their last six games.

Conclusion

There’s a lot to be said for home advantage in the post-COVID restrictions world and while Celtic still have an awful lot of work to do to be contenders in the league, we also tend to believe they have enough to just about edge past AZ Alkmaar in this first leg. We’re expecting a “hit and move” type of strategy that should give their Dutch opponents long spells on the ball, but eventually, Celtic will bundle the ball over the line and secure a narrow 1-0 victory.

Prediction: Celtic win

Best Odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: 888sport