AZ Alkmaar can book their place in the Europa League knockout stages when they host Partizan Belgrade on Thursday.
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AZ have been excellent in the Eredivisie and the Europa League this season and they are now within touching distance of booking their place in the knockout stages.
After the comfortable 5-0 win over Astana last time out, AZ are second in the group and four points above Partizan Belgrade. A draw at least in the Hague is enough for Arnie Slot’s side to progress.
However, the coach isn’t just targeting second and is hoping to overtake Manchester United into top spot, “We want to become a group winner. In principle, we want to win every game. So that is a pleasant way of thinking. “
AZ go into the game on the back of an excellent 3-0 win at Utrecht which keeps them second in the league and the closest challenger to Ajax at the top.
Partizan Belgrade, who need to win to stay in Europe, hammered Javor Ivanjica 6-2 at the weekend, but they sit fourth in their league.
Team News
AZ have no fresh injury concerns meaning that Slot should pick the same eleven that won against Utrecht at the weekend. Ron Vlaar is not yet fit to return.
Possible AZ line-up: Bizot, Svensson, Wijndal, Hatzidiakos, Wuytens, Koopmeiners, Midtso, De Wit, Stengs, Idriss, Boadu
Partizan Belgrade will be without winger Lazar Markovic but can otherwise choose from a fully fit squad. Former NAC Breda loanee Umar Sadiq should start up front.
Possible Partizan Belgrade line-up: Stojkovic, Miletic, Urosevic, Pavlovic, Ostojic, Scekic, Zdjelar, Soumah, Tosic, Stevanovic, Sadiq
Odds
AZ 11/20 Draw 10/3 Partizan Belgrade 9/2
Can AZ become the first Dutch side to seal European progression?
AZ Alkmaar are a joy to watch in the moment and they fully deserve all the praise that has been heaped on them in this campaign.
With Calvin Stengs, Myron Boadu and Teun Koopmeiners, AZ have three of the biggest talents in Dutch football and the trio will once again be key on Thursday to seal AZ’s progression.
Partizan Belgrade are a dangerous side but AZ have so much talent and confidence all over the pitch, making a home win the most likely outcome.
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