“AZ Alkmaar vs Aston Villa: Predicting the Outcome of the Europa Conference League Clash”

AZ Alkmaar vs Aston Villa: Europa Conference League Match Preview and Predictions

Overview

In this evening’s Europa Conference League Group E match, Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar will face Premier League side Aston Villa at the AFAS Stadion. The game, scheduled for a 5.45pm kick-off, is expected to be an exciting clash between two talented teams. Here, we provide a detailed analysis of the match and offer our predictions for the outcome.

AZ Alkmaar’s Strong Home Form

Aston Villa’s home form has been outstanding, with 11 consecutive Premier League wins at Villa Park. However, their performances on the road have been less impressive, only securing victories against Hibernian and Burnley this season. In their previous European away game, they suffered a 3-2 defeat against Legia Warsaw.

Considering these factors, Villa may struggle against AZ Alkmaar, especially as manager Unai Emery has often opted to rotate his side in European competitions. On the other hand, AZ Alkmaar has had a solid start to the season, including a recent victory against Legia Warsaw at home. They remain undefeated at the AZ Stadion this season, making them a decent choice for a double-chance selection.

Prediction 1: AZ Alkmaar or draw – double chance

Odds: 7/10 with BetMGM

The Impact of Vangelis Pavlidis

AZ Alkmaar’s success so far this season can be largely attributed to the outstanding performances of Vangelis Pavlidis. The 24-year-old Greek international has been in incredible form, scoring 14 goals in 15 games across all competitions. He scored a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Heerenveen in the previous match.

Unlike Emery, AZ Alkmaar boss Pascal Jansen has consistently fielded a strong side in European competitions, with Pavlidis starting in all of the club’s matches this season. In their previous European game, Pavlidis scored the crucial winning goal against Legia Warsaw. With seven goals in his last five home matches, Pavlidis represents an attractive choice to score against a Villa side that has struggled to keep clean sheets on the road.

Prediction 2: Vangelis Pavlidis to score anytime

Odds: 39/20 with BetMGM

Expect Goals from Both Sides

While we expect AZ Alkmaar to secure a result, it’s important not to underestimate the quality of Aston Villa. Despite the potential rotation of Villa’s squad, Moussa Diaby is likely to retain his place as one of the two strikers. Ollie Watkins, who has been in excellent form, has not started in the Europa Conference League group matches so far.

Diaby, who has already scored twice away from home for Villa this season, is expected to be their most potent attacking threat. Villa has only failed to score in one game this season, a 3-0 defeat against Liverpool. Therefore, we anticipate both teams finding the back of the net in the Netherlands, with Diaby being a strong candidate to score.

Prediction 3: Bet builder – both teams to score and Moussa Diaby to score anytime

Odds: 3/1 with BetMGM

Conclusion

In summary, the match between AZ Alkmaar and Aston Villa is set to be an intriguing battle between two talented teams. While AZ Alkmaar’s strong home form and the scoring prowess of Vangelis Pavlidis make them favorable, Villa’s quality should not be underestimated. Both teams are expected to score, with Moussa Diaby being a key threat for Villa. However, AZ Alkmaar’s overall form and home advantage could ultimately give them the edge in this Europa Conference League encounter.

Please note that odds mentioned in this article are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.