Athletic vs AZ: Europa League Match Prediction

International

Athletic Bilbao

Spain

Europa League

san-mames

3 October 12:00 UTC

AZ Alkmaar

Netherlands

In their last five matches, Athletic Club remains unbeaten at home and aims to continue their success in the second round of the Europa League. AZ Alkmaar, after a string of four victories, suffered a setback with a home loss to Utrecht in their latest Eredivisie match. What will unfold on the pitch in Bilbao on October 3? Check out our prediction and explore reliable betting options.

Athletic Bilbao vs AZ Alkmaar Prediction and Betting Tips (03.10.2024)

Command Analysis

Athletic Bilbao

Spain

Current Form

After a six-year absence, Athletic Club made their return to the Europa League, facing AS Roma in their opening match away. The Italians took the lead in the first half, controlling possession and limiting the Basques' chances. However, Ernesto Valverde's team managed to equalize towards the end of the match, finishing 1-1.

In La Liga, Athletic is in a familiar position, currently sitting fifth after eight rounds. The team is traditionally strong at home, earning eight points from five matches, with their only home loss coming against Atletico Madrid (0-1).

Injuries and Suspensions

Due to injuries, Herrera, Simon, Yeray, Sunset, and Prados will miss today's match. The significant absence is Sunset, who has scored three goals since the start of the season.

Interesting Betting Trends

In the last two matches, Athletic has recorded a final score of 1-1
In the previous five encounters involving the Basques in the Europa League, both teams scored

Projected Lineup: Agirrezabala — Lekue, Nunez, Paredes, De Marcos — Berenguer, Vesga, Gomez, Hauregisar, N. Williams — I. Williams.

AZ Alkmaar

Netherlands

Current Form

AZ started the group stage of the Europa League at home against Elfsborg and narrowly avoided dropping points despite having a significant advantage. The opponent managed only two shots on target, both of which were on target. It was only in the 74th minute that Parrott scored the winning goal from a penalty.

In the Eredivisie, Maarten Martens' team can be pleased with their strong start, having collected 16 points over seven matches, placing them third in the standings. Notably, AZ has been solid defensively in the national league, conceding only four goals.

Injuries and Suspensions

Today, they will be missing only Gos due to an injury.

Interesting Betting Trends

AZ has not lost in the first half of their last five matches
In their last eight matches, AZ players have consistently had more shots on target than their opponents

Projected Lineup: Owusu-Oduru – Maikuma, Martins Indi, Penetra, Wolff – Addei, Klaassi, Meijnants, Koopmeiners, van Bommel – Parrott.

Trends

Bet Athletic's Victory on Fouls

In 9 of the last 11 matches, Athletic players committed more fouls than their opponents

2.15

Bet 1st Half: Total Under 1.5 Goals

This bet has won in three of the last four home matches

1.47

Bet Exact Score 1:1

This score has occurred in two of Athletic's previous matches

6.70

Tip and bets

1.7AS with a handicap of +1

Athletic rarely loses at home, having only been defeated by Atlético Madrid this season. It's no surprise that they are the clear favorites among bookmakers. However, we shouldn't underestimate AZ, who possess a solid attacking potential and have performed well defensively in the league. We anticipate a closely contested match that could end in a draw. The betting lines offer options to hedge the wager.

Our prediction is for AZ to win with an Asian handicap of +1 at odds of 1.70.

Do you agree with this bet?

1.88both teams to score

Total Goals Bet

In the last three matches involving the Basques, there has been a steady exchange of goals. Additionally, in the four prior games, both teams managed to score. Given the strong attacking potential of both sides, we recommend a bet on both teams to score.

Our second bet is for both teams to score with odds of 1.88

Corner Kick Bet

We believe that sportsbooks are slightly underestimating the visitors in corners. In three of the last four matches, AZ has not trailed in corner kicks. Therefore, we suggest another betting option.

Predicted outcome: AZ to win on corners with a handicap of (+2.5) at odds of 1.62

Do you agree with this bet?