AZvs.Go Ahead Eagles

Match preview

AZ Alkmaar saw their downward spiral hit a new low as they fell to a 1-0 defeat against Premier League outfit Tottenham Hotspur in Thursday's Europa League group-phase meeting at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Maarten Martens's men repelled almost everything thrown at them by their English counterparts but were ultimately undone in the 53rd minute when Richarlison kept his nerves from 12 yards to grab the game's only goal.

For the second straight match, the Cheeseheads had a man sent off as David Moller Wolfe received his marching orders for two bookable offences, just five days after he was red carded against PSV last Saturday.

AZ's defeat to Tottenham last time out was their fifth on the bounce across all competitions, further derailing what had been a fine start to the season after six wins from the opening seven games either side of a goalless draw against Groningen.

This is in keeping with the last campaign, where AZ flew out of the blocks in the early stages before enduring a mid-season slump in form which ultimately led to the dismissal of Pascal Jansen.

Having already fallen a whopping 11 points adrift of PSV Eindhoven at the top of the Eredivisie table, Sunday's hosts cannot afford yet another slip up this weekend before their mouth-watering clash against Feyenoord.

Seeking a third win on the spin to continue their recent resurgence, Go Ahead Eagles were on the receiving end of a 5-1 defeat at the hands of Feyenoord when the teams squared off on Saturday evening.

Goals from Ibrahim Osman, Antoni Milambo, Quinten Timber, Ayase Ueda and Julian Carranza put Paul Simonis's men to the sword in a comprehensive thrashing at De Adelaarshorst.

That was a first defeat for The Pride of the IJssel Kowet since early September, after which they picked up 10 points from the next 12 available in league action prior to their humbling loss last time out.

A tally of 13 points from nine league matches has Go Ahead Eagles seventh in the standings at the moment, and a victory in this weekend's outing would see them move level on points with their opponents.

Currently on a run of consecutive victories from their last two matches on the road, Sunday's visitors have turned things around away from home after losing each of their three opening involvements on enemy territory this term.

AZ Alkmaar Eredivisie form:

W

W

W

L

L

L

AZ Alkmaar form (all competitions):

W

L

L

L

L

L

Go Ahead Eagles Eredivisie form:

L

W

D

W

W

L

Team News

Bruno Martins Indi and Ibrahim Sadiq are unavailable for AZ Alkmaar this weekend through muscle injuries and are joined on the sidelines by Wouter Goes (foot).

Sem Westerveld is still out of contention with a torn meniscus he suffered back in May, while defender David Moller Wolfe misses out through a one-game suspension.

Ruben van Bommel lasted just 12 minutes in his side's European clash on Thursday as he had to come off with an injury, making him a major doubt to play any part in this one.

For the sixth game on the bounce, Dean James is not expected to feature for Go Ahead Eagles as he works his way back up to full fitness from a muscle injury.

Soren Tengstedt is also missing for this weekend's away side due to a knee injury, and the forward is still a considerable way off making his return to action.

Oliver Edvardsen got himself on the score sheet for the second time in three substitute appearances last time out which could see him rewarded with a start here.

AZ Alkmaar possible starting lineup:

Owusu-Oduro; Maikuma, Penetra, Dekker, Kasius; Clasie, Belic; De Wit, Mijnans, Poku; Parrott

Go Ahead Eagles possible starting lineup:

Plogmann; Deijl, Nauber, Kramer, Adelgaard; Linthorst, Llansana; Adekanye, Breum, Antman; Edvardsen

We say: AZ Alkmaar 2-1 Go Ahead Eagles

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