AZ Alkmaar will host Sweden’s IF Elfsborg in Alkmaar. The Dutch side appear to be clear favourites, given that almost no one can stop them in the Eredivisie.
In the new Eredivisie season, AZ Alkmaar boast the most reliable defence. They have conceded only two goals in six matches. In the last round, they narrowly won against PEC Zwolle (2:1) away, but previously, the team beat SC Heerenveen (9:1). They were incredibly accurate, registering 26 shots, 19 of which were on target, and almost half of those were converted. Notably, none of these goals were penalties. The most prolific player in that match was Troy Parrott, who netted four goals. Ibrahim Sadiq also posed a threat; the Ghanaian winger recorded a 1+2 against Heerenveen and a brace against PEC Zwolle.
IF Elfsborg, on the other hand, went through all four qualification rounds to reach the revamped UEFA Europa League group stage, overcoming Cyprus’s Pafos, Moldova’s Sheriff Tiraspol, Croatia’s HNK Rijeka, and Norway’s Molde. The Swedish side lost only one of their eight matches, a home defeat to Molde (0:1), but prevailed in extra time and won in the penalty shootout (4-2). In the Allsvenskan, the team is currently sixth with six rounds to go and rank only 12th in away games with six defeats in 11 matches.
AZ Alkmaar have played only two home matches this season, winning both. Looking back to last season, their unbeaten run at AFAS Stadium extends to eight matches. The hosts are expected to secure a confident victory in their first Europa League game in front of their fans against a not-so-formidable opponent.
