AZ vs Maccabi Tel Aviv predictions, betting tips & match preview

When this group draw was made, few thought these two sides would have just a point between them. AZ Alkmaar and Maccabi Tel Aviv were expected to battle each other for second place, but they trail League of Ireland champions Dundalk. Will either of these two get their European campaign back on track by claiming three points here?

AZ are favourites for the win, they’re third after two games. This group should really have been straightforward for them, bar the two matches against Zenit. Instead, they’re taking on Maccabi Tel Aviv at home in a crunch game. On top of that, they’re doing it without Ron Vlaar. The former Aston Villa man is a key defender for them, which gives Maccabi a chance.

The Israeli side have a pretty decent scoring record going into this clash. Of their last seven Europa League games, six have seen over 2.5 goals. The same is true for nine of their last 10 in all competitions, while they’ve been clinical domestically. They’ve scored three goals per game on average in the league this term. They’re also pretty reliable in the Europa League, as they’ve converted 15% of their chances so far, averaging 1.5 goals per game.

AZ should be able to rival them, as they’ve scored in 18 of their last 19 home matches. They do have some defensive issues in Europe, having conceded in their last five Europa League games outside of the qualifiers. That’s a record Maccabi will be aiming to continue. Given that the Dutch side concede close to 10 shots per game on average domestically, and over 12 shots a game in Europe so far, the clinical Israeli side will have chances to score.

AZ have conceded 1.2 goals per game this term, although they have managed to score 10 goals in their five league games. Bet365 make them 8/11 to continue that run on Thursday, by hitting over 1.5 goals. That’s very possible, as Maccabi have conceded from 18% of the shots they’ve faced in the Europa League so far.

However, our bet here is to back over 2.5 goals in the game. It’s priced at 3/4 with bet365. Given how often we’ve seen three or more goals in their games this term, that appears to be the most likely outcome in this clash.