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The Europa Conference League continues to heat up as West Ham United and AZ Alkmaar prepare for their highly anticipated semi-final clash this Thursday. Both teams have defied expectations to reach this stage of the competition, and with a place in the final at stake, the atmosphere is set to be electric. In this first leg encounter, both sides will be looking to make a statement and gain a crucial advantage ahead of the return leg.

West Ham United Preview:
West Ham United’s European adventure has been nothing short of remarkable, with the Hammers consistently punching above their weight under the guidance of manager David Moyes. Their high-intensity, physical style of play has seen them overcome numerous tough opponents on their road to the semi-finals. West Ham’s talisman, Michail Antonio, has been in fine form, providing both goals and assists throughout the competition.

Key Players to Watch: Michail Antonio and Declan Rice

AZ Alkmaar Preview:
AZ Alkmaar, under the management of Pascal Jansen, has been the dark horse of the Europa Conference League, displaying an attractive and attacking brand of football. The Dutch side has been fearless in their approach, taking on and defeating some of Europe’s more established clubs. Their young forward, Myron Boadu, has been the standout performer, scoring crucial goals at key moments in the competition.

Key Players to Watch: Myron Boadu and Teun Koopmeiners

Head-to-Head:
This will be the first meeting between West Ham United and AZ Alkmaar, and with no prior history to draw from, it’s difficult to predict how the two sides will match up. The contrasting styles of play should make for an intriguing encounter, as West Ham’s physicality and direct approach clash with Alkmaar’s more technical and possession-based game.

Tactics and Strategies:
West Ham United will likely look to use their aerial prowess and physical strength to unsettle the AZ Alkmaar defense, with set-pieces and crosses into the box being a key feature of their play. Defensively, the Hammers will aim to maintain a compact shape and deny space for Alkmaar’s creative players.

AZ Alkmaar, on the other hand, will try to impose their fluid, possession-based style on the game, looking to exploit any gaps in West Ham’s defensive structure. They’ll seek to utilize the pace and movement of their forwards, as well as the creative influence of Koopmeiners in midfield, to break down the Hammers’ backline.

Verdict:
As the first leg of this highly anticipated semi-final tie, both teams will be eager to lay down a marker and take an advantage into the second leg. West Ham’s physicality and AZ Alkmaar’s technical prowess promise to make this an enthralling contest between two contrasting styles. With a place in the Europa Conference League final on the line, expect a fiercely contested match with both teams giving their all to secure a positive result.