AZ vs Elfsborg Prediction: Home side can dominate
The first round of the new Europa League gets underway on Wednesday night and we turn our focus to AZ Alkmaar, who host IF Elfsborg at 17:45 at the AFAS stadium. This new format means that both of these teams will play eight league games, with three value points up for grabs in matchday one.
Below you can find my AZ vs Elfsborg prediction featuring team news and betting tips.
Mark van Bommel’s son, Ruben van Bommel, has broken into the first team this season on the left wing, and could continue here. In a 4-2-3-1 system, he is likely to be one of the three behind former Tottenham Hotspur striker Troy Parrott, who will look to continue his goalscoring form. Ibrahim Sadiq scored a brace on Friday night and will start on the right, with Sven Mijnans occupying the number 10 position.
Meanwhile, Elfsborg will likely play in a 3-4-3 shape, although that may turn into a back five in this tricky away game. Gustav Henriksson will lead the defence along with the experienced Sebastian Holmén, while Ghanaian Michael Baidoo is also expected to be included. Swedish youngster Ahmed Qasem should start in attack.
AZ vs Elfsborg Odds
AZ are priced at 1/2 to win this game, with Elfsborg available at 11/2 for the three points. A draw can be backed at 7/2, over 2.5 goals is 8/15 and BTTS is 4/6.
AZ -1 handicap @ 5/4
The Dutch side are favourites to win this game, and I believe they are going to do so fairly comfortably. They’ve won five of their six league matches so far, conceding just twice in 2024/25. The highlight of their campaign so far came when they hammered PEC Zwolle 9-1 at home, as Parrott scored four times in a dominant success.
There is growing hope they will be able to challenge at the very top of the Eredivisie this term, as they target their first league success since 2009. However, they now turn their attention to the Europa League, and I think they can go well in this new league format. Home win, and we’ll add a -1 handicap to extend the odds further.
Odds correct at time of publishing.
Troy Parrott to score 2+ @ 11/2
Parrott has had an interesting start to his AZ career. As mentioned, he scored four goals against PEC Zwolle and looked lethal, but the negative is that is the only match he has scored in this season. Given the fee that was paid, £6.7m, AZ have invested heavily in him as a player, and there is a lot of potential in his boots.
I think he will be back amongst the goals here, against a weak defence. Elfsborg have conceded five goals in their last four games, and I think the Dutch side have the quality to break them down here. These are big odds on Parrott to bag a brace.
Odds correct at time of publishing.
You can read all our latest Football Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights content hub.
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