AZ Alkmaar Vs Elfsborg Match today

The first UEFA Europa League group stage match for AZ Alkmaar during the 2024/25 season will happen at the AFAS Stadion against Elfsborg on September 25, 2024, at 16:45 UTC. For the first time, these two clubs are going head to head, and they will be enthusiastic about starting their campaigns successfully.

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Team Form and Background

AZ Alkmaar

AZ Alkmaar has kicked off their season well, preserving a streak of no losses across all competitions. The team now ranks second in the Eredivisie, having earned five victories from their opening six matches, including their most recent 2-1 result against PEC Zwolle. This strong performance has instilled confidence in Pascal Jansen's squad, who have scored a remarkable total of 14 goals in their last three matches.

The team is benefiting from a solid defensive setup because it has kept four clean sheets in its past six matches. Their performances at home are truly remarkable; AZ has won seven out of their last eight competitive matches, except for the 3-3 draw against Utrecht in May. 

Elfsborg

In contrast, Elfsborg has managed to move forward from the Europa League playoffs, winning against Molde in a penalty shootout that followed a 1-1 aggregate draw. In the Allsvenskan, they are currently positioned sixth with 38 points from 24 games, having recently played to a goalless draw against Hammarby.

Elfsborg has been in good form, going unbeaten in their last 12 matches across all competitions, with seven victories since their defeat to Djurgarden in late July. As for their away performance, it’s outstanding as well; they have not lost any of their last eight away matches, with five of those being victories.

Head-to-Head Statistics

The 2023 match will mark the first occasion these two teams face off in any competition. However, based on current form and statistics:

- AZ Alkmaar:

  - Unbeaten in 18 matches across competitions.

  - Averaging 3.08 goals per match this season.

  - Strong home record with 75% of home matches resulting in over 2.5 goals.

- Elfsborg:

  - Averaging 1.95 goals per match this season.

  - Have managed a perfect record in away games.

  - Their recent matches have seen fewer than 11 corners in six of their last seven games.

Tactical Analysis

AZ Alkmaar's Approach

AZ Alkmaar is very probably to adopt a strong attacking approach, putting great faith in their recent goal data. They will take advantage of Elfsborg's defensive flaws right away by having Vangelis Pavlidis up front in attack. The recent scoring performance of the team, which has led to nine goals in ten matches[1][3], will make their skill at maintaining possession and establishing scoring chances critically important.

Elfsborg's Strategy

Elfsborg must move to a defensive strategy in order to defend itself against the attacks originating from AZ. Their present achievement reflects their capability to tolerate pressure and respond successfully. The secret for Elfsborg will be to be compact at the back while searching for chances to break quickly, especially through players like Oscar Hiljemark.

Predictions and Betting Tips

Given both the current format and the home advantage, AZ Alkmaar is most likely going to win the match. Predictions suggest a scoreline of 3-1 in favor of AZ. Betting tips include:

- Result: AZ Alkmaar to win

- First to Score: AZ Alkmaar

- Total Corners: Due to recent trends in Elfsborg, there will be under 10.5 corners in this game.

                           AZ Alkmaar is confident about winning before the Europa League game since they have been outstanding and are playing at home. However, Elfsborg's resilience cannot be underestimated as they aim for an upset against one of the Netherlands' top teams. Thanks to the competition to take an early lead in the group stage, both squads seem to be on the edge of something exciting.