AZ Alkmaar vs Galatasaray: Prediction, Team News & Lineups | Feb 13, 2025

AZ Alkmaar welcome Turkish giants Galatasaray to AFAS Stadion on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 8:00 pm UK time, in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League knockout round playoff. With a potential clash against either Manchester United or Tottenham Hotspur in the last 16, both sides will be eager to seize the advantage.

Interesting Fact:

Galatasaray scored a competition-high 19 goals in the Europa League league phase, more than any other team, including table-toppers Lazio.

Team Analysis

AZ Alkmaar

AZ Alkmaar squeezed into the knockout round playoffs by finishing 19th in the league phase, securing 11 points from their eight matches. Despite a thrilling 4-3 defeat to Ferencvaros on matchday eight, AZ have responded well domestically, winning their last three matches, including a 2-0 victory over PEC Zwolle last weekend.

The Dutch side boast a strong home record, having lost only two of their last 35 matches across all competitions at AFAS Stadion. However, their European knockout-round home form has been less consistent, with three defeats in their last seven such fixtures.

Form:

• Last 5 matches: W-W-W-L-D
• Last match: 2-0 win vs PEC Zwolle

Key Players:

• Troy Parrott: AZ’s leading scorer with 16 goals this season, including two in his last two Europa League matches.
• Sven Mijnans: Scored twice in the 4-3 loss to Ferencvaros and is expected to play a key role in midfield.

Injuries/Suspensions:

• Ruben van Bommel (out, injury)
• Ibrahim Sadiq (out, injury)
• Kristijan Belic (suspended, yellow card accumulation)

Galatasaray

Galatasaray finished 14th in the Europa League league phase, narrowly missing out on automatic qualification for the last 16 after a 2-1 loss to Ajax on the final matchday. The Turkish side impressed in attack, netting a competition-high 19 goals, but their defensive vulnerabilities remain a concern.

Okan Buruk’s men enter this match after a bizarre weekend fixture against Adana Demirspor, where their opponents walked off in protest, leading to an abandoned game. They will be looking to put that distraction behind them and secure a positive result in the Netherlands.

Form:

• Last 5 matches: W-W-L-D-W
• Last match: Match abandoned vs Adana Demirspor

Key Players:

• Alvaro Morata: The new signing converted a penalty on his debut and will lead the line in this crucial tie.
• Kerem Demirbay: A creative force in midfield who will be key in unlocking AZ’s defense.

Injuries/Suspensions:

• Mauro Icardi (out, injury)
• Yunus Akgun (out, injury)
• Ismail Jakobs (out, injury)
• Victor Osimhen (suspended, yellow card accumulation)
• Davinson Sanchez (suspended, yellow card accumulation)
• Lucas Torreira (suspended, yellow card accumulation)

Head-to-Head and Past Encounters

• AZ Alkmaar and Galatasaray met in the league phase, playing out a 1-1 draw at AFAS Stadion in November.
• Galatasaray have failed to win any of their last six away matches in the Netherlands.
• At least one first-half goal has been scored in 88% of Galatasaray’s Europa League matches this season.

Prediction

Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: AZ Alkmaar 2-2 Galatasaray

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Expect an attacking spectacle as two high-scoring sides clash. AZ Alkmaar’s strong home record should see them put up a fight, but Galatasaray’s attacking firepower makes them a threat. A high-scoring draw looks the most likely outcome.

Betting Tips

1. Both Teams to Score: Yes
2. Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 2.5 Goals
3. Anytime Goalscorer: Alvaro Morata

Possible Lineups

AZ Alkmaar (4-2-3-1):
Owusu-Oduro; Kasius, Goes, Penetra, Wolfe; Clasie, Koopmeiners; Addai, Mijnans, Lahdo; Parrott

Galatasaray (4-2-3-1):
Muslera; Ayhan, Cuesta, Bardakci, Kutlu; Sara, Demirbay; Sallai, Mertens, Yilmaz; Morata

Hot Stat

Galatasaray scored in every match during the Europa League league phase, highlighting their attacking consistency.

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