Following a first-leg setback, Tottenham will need to put up a spirited fight to overcome and eliminate Dutch Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League Round of 16. This decisive clash will take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday, March 13, 2025. Africa Football editor Allan Damba looks into the upcoming match and provides his prediction.
Match Overview
AZ Alkmaar edged Tottenham 1-0 in the first leg at the AFAS Stadion in the Netherlands, courtesy of a Lucas Bergvall own goal. The result gave the Dutch side a slight advantage heading into the final 90 minutes of this tie. The winner over the two legs will face either Eintracht Frankfurt or Ajax in the next round.
In their weekend Premier League fixture, Tottenham were held to a 2-2 draw with AFC Bournemouth, with goals from Pape Matar Sarr and Heung-Min Son. Meanwhile, AZ Alkmaar had no domestic engagements and will be well-rested for Thursday’s showdown.
Tottenham Hotspur Recent Form Analysis
It has been an inconsistent run for Tottenham in their last five games, with two wins, two losses, and one draw across all competitions. During this period, Ange Postecoglou’s side has found the back of the net seven times while conceding five.
- Last Five Games: 2 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses.
- Latest Result: Tottenham 2-2 AFC Bournemouth.
AZ Alkmaar Recent Form Analysis
AZ Alkmaar have also been far from dominant in their recent outings, managing two wins, two draws, and one loss in their last five matches across all competitions. They have scored seven goals and conceded the same number during this period.
- Last Five Games: 2 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss.
- Latest Result: AZ Alkmaar 1-0 Tottenham Hotspur.
Head-to-Head (Last Two Games)
- AZ Alkmaar 1-0 Tottenham
- Tottenham 0-1 AZ Alkmaar
Our Prediction for Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar
Back on home turf, Tottenham will need to step up their performance from the first leg and will likely play an attacking game against their Dutch opponents.
Punters are advised to bet on a Home Win (1) with odds of 1.52 on 1xBet. Another solid option is Both Teams to Score (YES) with odds of 1.69 on 1xBet.
Player to Watch
Pape Matar Sarr: The Senegalese midfielder has been one of Tottenham’s most consistent performers this season. His stunning goal against Bournemouth at the weekend took his tally to six goals and two assists in 41 appearances. A standout performance from him on Thursday could give Spurs the edge against AZ Alkmaar.
Best Odds and Betting Tips
We’ve identified the following as the best tips for this match:
- Home Win (1) with odds of 1.52 on 1xBet.
- Both Teams to Score (YES) with odds of 1.69 on 1xBet.
