Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar: Europa League Preview, Team News and Prediction | OneFootball

Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar: Key Players and What to Expect in the Second Leg

Tottenham Hotspur face AZ Alkmaar in the second leg of their Europa League round-of-16 tie, and Spurs will be determined to recover from a less-than-ideal performance in the first leg. With the stakes high and progression to the next stage on the line, this match offers Tottenham a chance to show their resilience and secure a crucial victory at home.

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Match Details: Date, Kick-Off and Venue

Date: Thursday, 13 March 2025Kick-off Time: 8:00 PM GMTVenue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London

Where to Watch Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar

The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 3 in the UK. For those who prefer to stream, Discovery+ will provide coverage through its website and app. In addition, Standard Sport will be running a live blog, offering updates and expert analysis throughout the match, making it the ideal place for fans who can’t watch the game live but still want to follow the action closely.

Team News: Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham head into this crucial fixture with some injury concerns. Dejan Kulusevski is expected to miss the match due to ongoing fitness issues, but Ange Postecoglou will likely provide an update on his status later in the week. On a more positive note, Ben Davies could return to the squad, strengthening Spurs’ defensive options for the tie.

In terms of starting players, Tottenham will be buoyed by the presence of key figures such as Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie, and James Maddison, all of whom are expected to start. Additionally, Heung-min Son is poised to lead the attack, bringing his goal-scoring ability to the forefront as Spurs look to overturn the deficit.

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One major talking point heading into the match will be Richarlison’s fitness. The Brazilian forward has struggled for form this season, and his availability could be pivotal in terms of tactical flexibility. Postecoglou is expected to address his fitness and the potential for him to play in the coming days.

Team News: AZ Alkmaar

AZ Alkmaar come into the game with confidence, holding the advantage after their solid performance in the first leg. Their defence will be crucial in this encounter, and they will aim to frustrate Tottenham’s attack, looking for a clean sheet or perhaps an away goal to solidify their lead. While they may be underdogs in London, Alkmaar have proven to be a tough opponent and will not go down without a fight.

Tottenham’s Path to Progression

Spurs’ supporters may feel wary about backing their team this season, especially after the challenges of the first leg, but there is reason for optimism. Tottenham are playing at home, where they have typically been strong, and with key players returning to form and fitness, they should have enough to overcome Alkmaar.

Photo: IMAGO

Spurs will need to be sharper in attack than they were in the Netherlands, where they struggled to break down a resilient Alkmaar side. With Heung-min Son leading the line and James Maddison pulling the strings in midfield, Tottenham’s offensive prowess should prove to be too much for Alkmaar to handle. Although the Dutch side will look to sit deep and protect their advantage, Spurs have enough firepower to dismantle their defence.

Prediction: Tottenham to win 3-1. With the home crowd behind them and key players finally returning to form, Spurs should be able to push past Alkmaar and secure a place in the Europa League quarter-finals.