AZ Alkmaar host Spanish side Real Sociedad in the Europa League on Thursday. Kick-off is at 8pm.

Two weeks ago, AZ Alkmaar set up to defensively frustrate Real Sociedad and were defeated 1-0. It was the club’s first defeat of the group and they still remain top, although they are level on points with the Spanish side and Napoli.

On Thursday, AZ host Real Sociedad hoping for a different outcome and to maintain their spot at the top.

They go into the game on the back of a 1-0 win over Emmen, which was their third straight win in the league, Arne Slot’s side remain unbeaten in the Eredivisie, but sit seventh due to the five draws in eight games.

Real Sociedad have had an excellent start to the season and they beat Cadiz 1-0 at the weekend to keep their spot at the top of La Liga.

Team News

AZ have no fresh injury concerns going into the game, but Slot must decide whether to restore Myron Boadu to the attack. With Albert Gudmundsson showing good form, Boadu has started the last two games on the bench.

Possible AZ line-up: Bizot, Svensson, Wijndal, Martins Indi, Hatzidiakos, Koopmeiners, Midtso, De Wit, Karlsson, Stengs, Boadu

Real Sociedad will be without David Silva for the game after he suffered a hamstring injury. Luca Sangalli, Asier Illarramendi, and Andoni Gorosabel are also out.

Possible Real Sociedad line-up: Remiro; Elustondo, Le Normand, Sagnan, Monreal; Merino; Oyarzabal, Guevara, Zubimendi, Portu; Isak

Odds

AZ 3/1 Draw 13/5 Real Sociedad 10/11

Can AZ get the victory on Thursday?

Arne Slot’s tactics in Spain were never going to work and it was only a matter of time before Real Sociedad broke through, which AZ were lucky they only did once.

AZ cannot afford to sit so deep again on Thursday and they need to show more attacking intent if they are to get a victory, which could move them a big step closer to the Europa League knockout rounds.

Real Sociedad are in good form, but are without David Silva, and could underestimate AZ after their performance two weeks ago.

The Dutch side have the players to cause the Spaniards plenty of issues, and they cannot go into the game afraid of their opponents.

Win, and AZ may only need one win from their final two games against Napoli at home or HNK Rijeka away to reach the next round.




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