AZ Alkmaar vs LASK Linz Prediction & Betting Tips - Europa League

Prediction published on 17/02/2020, 11:19  by James | Modified on 17/02/2020 at 12:19 in Europa League Predictions

One of the surprise stories of the Europa League group stage was that little-known Austrian side LASK finished top of a group containing PSV Eindhoven, Sporting Lisbon, and Rosenberg. Now, the Austrian underdogs travel to Holland again to take on AZ Alkmaar in the first of their round-of-32 ties. Alkmaar made it this far by finishing second in a group topped by Manchester United. Their endeavours were less eye-catching but it's been a good season for the Dutch side. Challenging Ajax for the title, Alkmaar are on course to qualify for the Champions League qualifiers. Ideally, they would qualify automatically, be it by winning the league or by triumphing in the Europa League. However, PSV might offer a cautionary word about underestimating LASK. Held to a goalless draw at home, PSV were destroyed 4-1 in Austria. They were in good company as LASK won all of their Europa League home games.

Away from home, LASK are also good. Just ask Champions League debutants RB Salzburg. They suffered a first defeat of the season at the weekend when LASK paid them a visit and left with three points courtesy of a 3-2 win. Typically playing with five at the back, LASK press high and fast. Viewers of Salzburg may notice a similarity. Alkmaar boss Arne Slot noticed a similarity with his own team regarding the high press and defending from the front. Slot thinks that they are a good match and we would agree. Little separates the pair and that's how we expect Thursday's match to play out. Put your money on a draw.