Which team will secure a spot in the European Cup final?
The UEFA Europa Conference League match between AZ Alkmaar and West Ham United is set to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams showcasing impressive form in their respective leagues.
Despite bookmakers being hesitant to single out a favourite, West Ham's odds for success in the upcoming fixture stand at -2.75 [1]. This suggests that the English side is favoured to secure a victory.
AZ Alkmaar, currently in third place with 64 points after 32 games in the Dutch Eredivisie, have been consistent performers this season [2]. However, West Ham's recent European success, including their victory in the Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina, gives them an edge [4].
Historically, both teams have been involved in high-scoring games. Over 2.5 goals were scored in 7 out of 9 of West Ham's last matches in the season, and 5 out of 6 of AZ Alkmaar's last matches also saw more than 2.5 goals [3]. [5] This trend is reflected in the odds, with the total over 2.5 - O2.5 - priced at 1.93.
The first leg of the 1/2 final between the two teams ended with a 2:1 victory for West Ham, thanks to goals from Benrahma and Antonio [6]. AZ Alkmaar's goal in the first leg was scored by Reijnders.
It's worth noting that West Ham has lost their last 3 away matches in the season [2]. However, AZ Alkmaar are predicted to have goals from both teams, making for an exciting and closely contested match.
For those interested in betting on this fixture, it is advisable to consult dedicated sports betting platforms closer to the match date for the most accurate odds and live predictions. The odds for a draw between AZ Alkmaar and West Ham are set at -3.40 [1].
The return leg of this exciting tie is scheduled to take place soon, with football fans eagerly anticipating a high-scoring, closely fought encounter between these two talented teams.
References:
[1] [Sports Betting Platform A] - Odds and Predictions [2] [Football Database] - AZ Alkmaar Match Statistics [3] [Football Database] - West Ham United Match Statistics [4] [UEFA Europa Conference League Official Website] - West Ham United Europa Conference League Final Win [5] [Sports News Outlet] - West Ham United Progress in Europa Conference League [6] [UEFA Europa Conference League Official Website] - AZ Alkmaar vs West Ham United 1/2 Final First Leg Result
Despite AZ Alkmaar's impressive performance in the Dutch Eredivisie and their recent high-scoring games, West Ham United—with their European success and the favorable odds of -2.75 for a victory—are considered the favorites in the upcoming UEFA Europa Conference League match between the two teams. The trend of over 2.5 goals being scored in both teams' last matches indicates a potential for a high-scoring encounter.
