Tottenham v AZ Alkmaar: Prediction, tips and bet builder as Spurs stumble through

Ange Postecoglou might be playing down the importance of this round of 16 Europa League match with AZ Alkmaar, but everyone knows it's crucial.

If Spurs can't overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg then their season is effectively over and with it possibly Big Ange's job.

Tottenham are out of both domestic cup competitions, are 13th in the Premier League and this competition is their only chance of salvaging any glory from a truly miserable season.

Tottenham have improved slightly in the Premier League recently, but were lucky to get a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on Sunday and didn't impress in the first leg against the Dutch side last week.

We are expecting Spurs to edge this clash, but only just.

Good luck and please gamble responsibly.

(All odds are correct at the time of article publication)

 

Tottenham v AZ Alkmaar bet builder

Tottenham to win and both teams to score - 15/8

Son +3 shots on target - 4/1

Troy Parrott 1+ shot on target - 4/6

Lucas Bergvall card - 16/5

 

Tottenham to win and BTTS yes

Spurs are skinny odds to win this tie, so it's worth your while bulking it up with a BTTS too.

Tottenham have won eight of their last nine Europa League home games, while their opponents are truly stinky when it comes to crossing the channel.

They have lost their last nine UEFA competition away matches against English clubs, and also haven't won in five away Europa League matches this season.

Spurs have already beaten AZ earlier the season, thanks to a Richarlison penalty in October. But we are not expecting them to keep a clean sheet on Thursday night.

AZ last failed to score a goal 12 games ago in a 0-0 draw with FC Utrecht back in mid-January and have won seven of their nine matches across all competitions, including reaching the final of the KNVB Cup.

 

Son +3 shots on target

Son Heung-min scored the equaliser in the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth and will no doubt shoulder the burden of trying to drag Tottenham back into this tie.

That means he'll probably attempt to pepper the AZ goal with several shots, he had two against Bournemouth and three against AZ last time out despite not playing the full game in either match.

The risk here is having three on target, as those shots mentioned above were all just straight shot. But we have faith that the South Korean ace will improve his aim.

 

Troy Parrott 1+ shot on target

Former Spurs player back on his old stomping ground, he's bound to have a crack.

He's netted 17 times across all competitions this season, but hasn't scored in five score so will be keen to break that bad run.

Lucas Bergvall card

Booked in five of his 18 starts this season, Bergvall can be a little reckless and with the suspended Bentancur missing, he'll be expected to take up more of an enforcer role.

 

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