AZ Alkmaar vs Fenerbahce: Key stats, expected lineups, match insights

Fenerbahce will face AZ Alkmaar at AFAS Stadion in Alkmaar on Thursday, Nov. 7, with kick-off set for 8:00 p.m. GMT in a high-stakes Europa League clash.

The AZ Alkmaar vs Fenerbahce match is pivotal for both sides:

• AZ is desperate to break a winless streak
• Fenerbahce looks to extend their unbeaten run and secure a stronger position in the Europa League group stage.

With AZ’s home-field advantage and Fenerbahce’s recent momentum, this encounter promises an intense battle.

Recent form of Fenerbahce, AZ Alkmaar: Contrasting fortunes for both teams

Fenerbahce

Fenerbahce, under Jose Mourinho, has developed a resilient and attacking style. Unbeaten in seven games across competitions, they’re coming off recent league victories and a steady performance in the Europa League group.

• League performance: Seven wins, 1 loss, and 2 draws in their last 10 league games
• Europa League journey: Unbeaten with a 2-1 win over Union SG and two 1-1 draws against Twente and Manchester United, keeping them in a favorable position with five points from three games
• Injury and lineup concerns: Jayden Oosterwolde (ACL) and Cengiz Under (groin) are out. Mourinho’s absence due to a suspension may impact Fenerbahce’s sideline leadership.

AZ Alkmaar

AZ’s season has taken a challenging turn, with no wins in their last seven matches across competitions. Despite a strong start to the Europa League, they’ve been struggling defensively.

• League form: Four wins, 4 losses, and 2 draws over their last 10 league matches
• Europa League struggles: AZ began with a win over Elfsborg but faced back-to-back defeats against Athletic Bilbao (0-2) and Tottenham (0-1)
• Injury impact: Missing key players like Zico Buurmeester, Ibrahim Sadiq, and Ruben van Bommel, as well as David Wolfe, who is suspended.

Lineup expectations for AZ Alkmaar vs Fenerbahce, tactical battles

Both teams have lineup changes due to injuries and suspensions, which will influence their setups and tactics for the AZ Alkmaar vs Fenerbahce match.

Fenerbahce (4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1)

Despite Mourinho’s absence, Fenerbahce is expected to maintain a balanced approach, with experienced players leading in each line.

• Goalkeeper: Dominik Livakovic
• Defense: Bright Osayi-Samuel, Rodrigo Becao, Caglar Soyuncu, Mert Muldur
• Midfield: Sofyan Amrabat, Fred, and potentially Sebastian Szymanski in a creative role
• Forward line: Dusan Tadic, Allan Saint-Maximin, and Youssef En-Nesyri. En-Nesyri’s role as target striker allows Tadic and Saint-Maximin to exploit the wings effectively

AZ Alkmaar (4-2-3-1)

With multiple absences, AZ will look to their young talents, particularly Troy Parrott, to spearhead the attack.

• Goalkeeper: Rome Jayden Owusu-Oduro
• Defense: Seiya Maikuma, Alexandre Penetra, Maxim Dekker, Mees de Wit
• Midfield: Jordy Clasie and Peer Koopmeiners as defensive midfielders
• Forward line: Mayckel Lahdo, Sven Mijnans, and Ernest Poku supporting Parrott as the lone striker

Key players to watch during AZ Alkmaar vs Fenerbahce clash

• Youssef En-Nesyri (Fenerbahce): The Moroccan striker is in excellent form and recently became the joint-highest Moroccan scorer in European competitions. His presence in the box will be a threat to AZ’s defense.
• Sofyan Amrabat (Fenerbahce): A key figure in midfield, Amrabat’s defensive skills and distribution will help control the game and counter AZ’s attacks.
• Troy Parrott (AZ): AZ’s main offensive threat with seven goals this season, Parrott will look to capitalize on any defensive gaps. His brief experience under Mourinho at Tottenham could add an interesting dynamic to the game.

AZ Alkmaar vs Fenerbahce match prediction

Fenerbahce is the favorite in this clash because of their recent form and scoring ability. AZ’s home advantage may see them on the scoreboard, but Fenerbahce’s defensive stability and organized attack give them the upper hand.

The predicted scoreline is Fenerbahce 2-1 AZ Alkmaar.

Additional stats about AZ Alkmaar vs Fenerbahce match, historical insights

• Head-to-head: AZ and Fenerbahce met in the Europa League 2007 round, where AZ advanced on away goals after two draws.
• AZ home scoring: AZ has scored in each of their last 12 home games, averaging over two goals per game, though they’ll need a strong defense to secure a win.
• Fenerbahce’s away form: Undefeated in their last seven away games across all competitions, Fenerbahce has shown remarkable consistency on the road.

With Fenerbahce’s solid form and AZ’s determination to break out of a slump, the AZ Alkmaar vs Fenerbahce Europa League clash is set to deliver an exciting showdown in Alkmaar.