AZ Alkmaar vs Galatasaray Prediction, Lineups, Betting Tips & Odds – UEFA Europa League Playoff
AZ Alkmaar will host Galatasaray in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League 2024-25 playoff stage clash at the AFAS Stadium in Alkmaar, Netherlands. Both teams finished their group stage campaigns with similar records, winning three of their eight matches, but now they battle for a spot in the next round.
Match Details
- Fixture: AZ Alkmaar vs Galatasaray
- Competition: UEFA Europa League – Playoff Round (First Leg)
- Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025
- Kick-off Time: 20:00 GMT / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT / 01:30 IST (Feb 14, India)
- Stadium: AFAS Stadium, Alkmaar
- Referee: Joao Pinheiro
- VAR: In use
Team Form & Recent Performances
AZ Alkmaar: L-L-W-W-W
Galatasaray: D-W-L-W-W
Match Preview
AZ Alkmaar will look to bounce back after a disappointing loss in their last Europa League game. Despite dominating possession, they struggled to convert chances and suffered a 4-3 defeat to Ferencvaros. Playing at home, they will aim for a stronger defensive display against a formidable Galatasaray attack.
Meanwhile, Galatasaray are dominating the Turkish Super Lig but have been inconsistent in Europe. They have lost just once in the Europa League this season, yet they have only secured three wins. The away team will look to capitalize on AZ Alkmaar’s defensive vulnerabilities and gain an advantage heading into the second leg.
Players to Watch
Sven Mijnans (AZ Alkmaar)
The Dutch midfielder is a key playmaker for AZ Alkmaar. With three goals and one assist in eight Europa League games, he will be vital in breaking down Galatasaray’s defense.
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray)
The Nigerian striker has been a major asset for Galatasaray this season. He has already scored five goals in six UEL matches and will be the biggest attacking threat for the visitors.
Match Facts
- AZ Alkmaar and Galatasaray drew 1-1 when they met in the group stage earlier this season.
- Galatasaray have failed to win their last six matches against Dutch opposition in European competitions.
- AZ Alkmaar have only lost two of their last 35 home matches in all European tournaments.
Predicted Lineups
AZ Alkmaar (4-3-3):
Owusu-Oduro (GK); Kasius, Goes, Dekker, De Wit; Smit, Mijnans, Koopmeiners; Addai, Poku, Lahdo.
Galatasaray (4-2-3-1):
Muslera (GK); Ayhan, Sanchez, Bardakci, Kutlu; Torreira, Sara; Akgun, Mertens, Yilmaz; Osimhen.
Betting Tips & Odds
- Match to end in a draw – @29/10 (William Hill)
- Goals Under 2.5 – @7/4 (Betfred)
- Victor Osimhen to score anytime – @17/5 (Vbet)
Injury & Team News
AZ Alkmaar:
- Out: Ruben van Bommel, Sem Westerveld, Ibrahim Sadiq
Galatasaray:
- Out: Mauro Icardi, Yunus Akgun, Ismail Jakobs
Head-to-Head Record
- Total Matches: 1
- AZ Alkmaar Wins: 0
- Galatasaray Wins: 0
- Draws: 1
Match Prediction
Both teams have had mixed form in the Europa League this season, making this a tightly contested fixture. AZ Alkmaar’s home advantage and Galatasaray’s attacking power could result in a closely fought draw.
🔮 Prediction: AZ Alkmaar 1-1 Galatasaray
Where to Watch – Telecast Details
- India: Sony LIV, Sony Sports Network
- UK: TNT Sports
- USA: fuboTV, Paramount+
- Nigeria: DStv Now
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