BK Hacken vs AZ Alkmaar Predictions

Hacken are in pole position to qualify for the next round of the Europa League after the Swedish side secured a goalless draw in the Netherlands. However, there is still plenty of work to be done and visiting AZ Alkmaar will know more about what their guests have to offer and now have some much-needed competitive game time under their belts.

AZ Alkmaar had 59% of the overall possession in the 1st leg, as well as seven more corners, and six more shots than their guests during the ninety minutes. The Dutch side have now failed to score in each of their last four matches and might consider changing their forward line for the trip to Sweden on Thursday. though neither side have picked up any injuries following their first encounter.

Jeremejeff and Paulinho represent the most likely source of goals for the hosts on Thursday as the pair have scored a combined 13 goals in the Allsvenskan league so far this season. AZ get their Eredivisie season underway this weekend so should be up to speed in terms of match fitness and sharpness heading into Thursday’s 2nd leg but will be worried by a lack of goals in recent weeks.

Last weeks encounter along with the form and performances of both clubs over the last six weeks suggest that under 2.5 goals will be scored in Thursday’s 2nd leg, and we’re backing AZ to claim a narrow victory that will see them through to the next qualifying round. Under 2.5 goals were scored last week when these two sides met for the very first time and the scoreline ended 0-0. Under 2.5 goals have also been scored in four of Hacken’s and four of AZ’s last six matches. AZ have averaged one goal a game over their last six matches, which is why we’re backing the visitors to claim a 1-0 win on Thursday.

We’re confident that under 2.5 goals will be scored in Thursday’s second leg and have predicted a final scoreline of 1-0 to the Dutch side. Hacken actually head into the game as the form favourites and defended well in the 1st leg, but we’re backing the added quality of AZ Alkmaar to shine through on Thursday night and lead to the Dutch teams progressing through to the next round courtesy of a 1-0 win. Both teams have been involved in a large number of games in recent weeks that have produced under 2.5 goals and last season AZ enjoyed a good record of wins to nil which saw them finish in the European places.