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AZ Alkmaar welcome Galatasaray to AFAS Stadion in the league phase of the UEFA Europa League on Thursday. The hosts have two wins in four games, while Cimbom have enjoyed an unbeaten run, winning three.
Alkmaar resumed their Eredivisie campaign after the international break with a 2-1 win over Sparta Rotterdam. Peer Koopmeiners scored in the ninth minute before Tobias Lauritsen pulled Sparta level nine minutes later. Sven Mijnans restored Alkmaar's lead in the 73rd minute.
Galatasaray, meanwhile, are on a 14-game unbeaten streak across competitions. They extended their winning streak to seven games on Saturday with a 1-0 win at Bodrum. Second-half substitute Michy Batshuayi scored the only goal of the match in the 54th minute.
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Alkmaar, meanwhile, returned to winning ways after two losses in the Europa League with a 3-1 home win over Fenerbahce earlier this month. Galatasaray, meanwhile, beat Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 at home in their previous outing.
AZ Alkmaar vs Galatasaray Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- The two teams will meet for the first time in a competitive match.
- Alkmaar have played Turkish teams seven times in European competitions, going unbeaten, winning four.
- Galatasaray have squared off against Dutch opponents eight times, with all meetings taking place against PSV Eindhoven, winning two and losing six.
- The visitors have the second-best attacking record in the Europa League, scoring 12 times in four games.
- Alkmaar are unbeaten in nine home games in the Europa League. Their two wins this season have come at home.
- The Yellow-Reds have scored at least thrice in four of their last five games across competitions.
- Galatasaray are winless in four away games in the Europa League, losing one.
AZ Alkmaar vs Galatasaray Prediction
Alkmaar have struggled recently, with two wins in 10 games across competitions. They have lost three of their last five home games, conceding twice apiece four times.
Galatasaray, meanwhile, are on a 14-game unbeaten streak, recording 12 wins. They have won four of their last five away games, scoring 14 goals. Interestingly, they have suffered defeats in all four away games against Dutch teams.
Kaan Ayhan picked up an injury against Bodrum last week and won't travel to Alkmaar. Mauro Icardi suffered an ACL injury in the win over Tottenham and is a long-term absentee.
Galatasaray, meanwhile, have a good recent record in the Europa League, and considering their better goalscoring form, they should eke out a narrow win.
Prediction: AZ Alkmaar 1-2 Galatasaray
AZ Alkmaar vs Galatasaray Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Galatasaray to win
Tip 2: Goals - Over/Under 2.5 Goals - Over 2.5 goals
Tip 3: At least one goal to be scored in the second half - Yes
Tip 4: First Team to Score - Galatasaray
Bold Tip: Dries Mertens to score or assist any time - Yes
