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AZ Alkmaar will host Roma for a crucial Europa League showdown on 23 January 2025 at 17:45. Both teams are vying for a top 8 finish in the competition, making this match pivotal.
AZ Alkmaar have been in stellar form, remaining unbeaten in their last 11 matches, including impressive encounters against Ajax and PSV. However, they face injury concerns with key players like Ruben van Bommel doubtful for the game. Roma, led by Claudio Ranieri, have shown marked improvement, winning six of their last eight games and scoring 24 goals in 12 matches.
The weather at AFAS Stadion will be overcast with temperatures around 4°C. Despite these conditions, an exciting, high-scoring affair is anticipated given both teams’ offensive strengths.
Our recommended bet is Roma to win, with the odds at 2.3. Roma’s recent form and tactical prowess make them the bookmaker’s favourite for this fixture.
AZ Alkmaar vs. Roma Prediction | |
---|---|
Betting tip | Odds |
Roma to win | 2.3 |
Roma’s recent form and tactical prowess give them a significant advantage despite playing away from home. Their ability to score, combined with AZ Alkmaar’s injury problems, makes Roma to win a solid bet for this clash.
AZ Alkmaar vs. Roma Betting Odds | |
---|---|
Bet | Odds |
AZ Alkmaar | 3.10 |
Draw | 3.53 |
Roma | 2.20 |
Roma are considered the favourites in this match with odds of 2.20 for an away win, while a win for AZ Alkmaar stands at 3.10. A draw is priced at 3.53, reflecting the tight competition anticipated between these two teams.
The betting odds favour Roma, indicating their superior form in the Europa League and a more consistent attacking play under coach Claudio Ranieri. Punters may look at Roma’s record and current form, making them the safer bet.
Home team | Away team | Result |
---|---|---|
FC Utrecht | AZ Alkmaar | 0-0 (Draw) |
AZ Alkmaar | Ajax | 2-0 (Win) |
PSV Eindhoven | AZ Alkmaar | 2-2 (Draw) |
AZ Alkmaar | Twente | 1-0 (Win) |
AZ Alkmaar | FC Groningen | 3-1 (Win) |
AZ Alkmaar have been in excellent form recently, remaining unbeaten in their last 11 matches. They’ve posted a solid recent record of three wins and two draws. Managing to keep three clean sheets in their last five games, their defense appears stable. Offensively, they’re averaging 1.60 goals per game, which speaks volumes about their balanced approach. Taking on tough opponents like Ajax and PSV with such resilience shows their robust team spirit. With key players like Ruben van Bommel possibly sidelined due to injury, coach Robert Franssen will rely heavily on other players to step up.
For AZ Alkmaar, the performance of their key players will be instrumental in this high-stakes match against Roma. Jordy Clasie stands out as the captain and midfield general. His leadership and aggressive playing style will be crucial in both offensive setups and defensive duties. Ernest Poku, deployed in the forward line, has been a revelation and will be expected to create scoring opportunities and stretch the Roma defense. Troy Parrott, leading the attack, will be relied upon for crucial goals. Keep an eye on young defender Wouter Goes, whose defensive prowess will be tested against Roma’s attackers like Paulo Dybala.
Expected lineup for AZ Alkmaar:
AZ Alkmaar is currently facing a significant challenge with several key players sidelined due to injuries.
Player | Injury | Expected return |
---|---|---|
Sem Westerveld | Knee injury | Potential return doubtful |
Ruben van Bommel | Unknown | Potential return doubtful |
Ibrahim Sadiq | Unknown | Potential return doubtful |
Kees Smit | Hamstring injury | Potential return doubtful |
Kristijan Belic | Unknown | Potential return doubtful |
The absence of top scorer Ruben van Bommel, who has netted 3 goals in the tournament, could significantly impact AZ’s attacking options. Sem Westerveld’s absence due to a knee injury adds to the defensive woes, making it a tough task for coach Robert Franssen to field his best XI. These injuries will test the squad depth, and players like Troy Parrott and Ernest Poku will need to step up in this crucial fixture.
AZ Alkmaar Tactical Breakdown:
Notable Strategy: AZ has demonstrated a performance, remaining unbeaten in their last eleven matches. With a mix of youthful energy and experienced players like Clasie, they will look to control the midfield and exploit Roma’s defensive vulnerabilities, especially in the 76-90 and 31-45-minute intervals. Expect AZ to focus on a disciplined defensive structure while leveraging quick transitions and pace on the flanks to break down Roma’s defense.
Roma has been in solid form lately, showcasing their mettle in both domestic and European football. Over their last five matches, they’ve secured three wins and two draws:
Home team | Away team | Result |
---|---|---|
Roma | Genoa | 3-1 (Win) |
Bologna | Roma | 2-2 (Draw) |
Roma | Lazio | 2-0 (Win) |
AC Milan | Roma | 1-1 (Draw) |
Roma | Parma Calcio 1913 | 5-0 (Win) |
Roma has been prolific in front of goal, with an average of 2.60 goals per game over their last five matches. Defensively, they’ve managed to keep two clean sheets during this run, showing a decent balance between attack and defense.
While their overall away performance in Serie A has been underwhelming, their recent unbeaten run suggests they are finding their rhythm at a crucial time in the Europa League.
Their formidable attack, led by Paulo Dybala and Artem Dovbyk, combined with a solid backline featuring veterans like Mats Hummels, makes them a tough team to beat.
Roma’s lineup bristles with talent and experience, making them a formidable force. Expected lineup for Roma:
Key players to watch include:
Key battles to anticipate:
These matchups could define the outcome at AFAS Stadion.
Player | Injury | Expected return |
---|---|---|
Bryan Cristante | Ligament injury | Early February 2025 |
Roma’s key player, Bryan Cristante, is ruled out with a ligament injury and is expected to return in early February 2025. His absence in midfield could affect Roma’s defensive stability and passing accuracy, given his ability to disrupt play and distribute the ball efficiently. Coach Claudio Ranieri may need to rely on other midfielders like Leandro Paredes and Kouadio Koné to fill the void left by Cristante’s injury.
Roma’s Tactical Breakdown:
Despite Bryan Cristante’s absence, manager Claudio Ranieri will rely on the experience and tactical flexibility of his side to dominate key areas of the pitch.