AZ Alkmaar-West Ham is a match valid for the return leg of the Conference League semifinals and is played Thursday at 9 p.m.: tv, predictions.
The other Conference League semifinal between West Ham and Az Alkmaar did not disappoint expectations. An eventful contest was expected, and the semifinal first leg at the London Stadium pleased the spectators. But also the Hammers fans, who made the home factor count by winning the first round with a 1-1 result.
No reverential fear on the part of the Dutch, who even in the English capital confirmed that they are a very good team. A goal by Reijnders late in the first half had deluded Pascal Jansen’s men, who were convinced they would return to the Netherlands with a positive result. In the second half, however, the greater quality of the Londoners came to the fore, who were able to overturn the result first with a penalty by Benrahma and then with the seal of captain Antonio. The victory is gold for West Ham, which in the Netherlands will also be able to afford to draw: it will be enough not to lose to snatch a pass to the final in Prague and continue to dream of a title that has been missing for decades. The Hammers, who have disappointed in the Premier League by even ending up fighting not to relegate, have a chance to “color” a season that so far, cup run aside, is black and white. With salvation secured, the only goal remained winning the Conference League. And that is why coach David Moyes in the last league match fielded many reserves, losing 2-0 at home to Brentford. West Ham that in any case remains at +6 over the third-last.
The Dutch dream of another comeback
The last time the Hammers played in a continental final was 47 years ago; it’s been 52 since the Dutch last. Jansen and his men plan another feat, along the lines of the one with Anderlecht in the quarterfinals.
AZ players celebrating
In this edition of the Conference League they have always won in the eight matches played at home, scoring 25 goals and conceding only five. Lazio’s executioners in the round of 16 can still finish third in the Eredivisie: they are only two points behind Ajax and on Sunday they overwhelmed Emmen 5-1, immediately redeeming the London disappointment. In the return match, Jansen hopes to recover Martins Indi and Westerveld, both of whom are heavily in doubt. Moyes, on the other hand, is anxious about Antonio, who is not at his best. Italian Scamacca is also out.
The Prediction
In the first leg match Az showed they can hold their own against a team built to fight for a place in the left side of the Premier League standings. And it is likely to be able to put West Ham in trouble in the return leg as well, in another match that, by necessity, should guarantee at least three goals overall. The English remain favored for qualification, but it is likely that Alkmaar will avoid defeat.
The likely lineups for AZ Alkmaar-West Ham
- AZ ALKMAAR (4-2-3-1): Ryan; Sugawara, Beukema, Hatzidiakos, Kerkez; Clasie, Reijnders; Odgaard, Mijnans, Van Brederode; Pavlidis.
- WEST HAM (4-2-3-1): Areola; Kehrer, Zouma, Aguerd, Cresswell; Rice, Soucek; Bowen, Paqueta, Benrahma; Antonio.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-2
