A crucial week in the Europa Conference League awaits, as the final two will be decided. West Ham have been the long-time favourites to win the competition this season, and they hold a 2-1 advantage ahead of their return match against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday.
Europa Conference League Preview
West Ham United has a lead to defend in their final four clash of the Europa Conference League this week. The Hammers have been excellent in the competition throughout the season, and they maintained that strong run of form with a comeback success in their opening leg against AZ at the London Stadium last week.
AZ started the stronger of the two sides, as they opened the scoring after 41 minutes. However, the Hammers finally clicked into gear in the second half, and they pulled level after 67 minutes when Said Benrahman netted the equalising goal from the penalty spot. The victory was assured with just 15 minutes remaining, as Michail Antonio scored the pivotal goal in the English capital.
AZ will still feel as though they are alive in this tie, as they were excellent in the opening half at the London Stadium last week. They were deserving of their 1-0 lead, which was given to them after 41 minutes by Tijani Reijinders. The Dutch outfit managed to record three shots on target in the defeat, but they created more than enough openings in the first 45 minutes to hold a stronger advantage at the break.
The fact that they will have home advantage for this return leg will play into their favour, but the Hammers will likely be dangerous on the counter-attack. West Ham managed to rest a number of their top players on Sunday, and that could also be pivotal toward their chances in the second leg.
AZ Alkmaar vs West Ham Head to Head
This will only be the second time that these two sides have locked horns. The previous clash came last week, as West Ham secured a 2-1 win at the London Stadium against their Dutch rivals.
AZ Alkmaar vs West Ham Prediction
David Moyes was able to rest a number of his top stars in West Ham’s recent Premier League clash against Brentford. They will all be fresh to return on Thursday, and that will make them extremely difficult to beat. But, we could see the draw in 90 minutes being the best betting angle.
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