Another game from Europa League, between the Netherland’s AZ Alkmaar and the Swedish IFK Gothenburg.
IFK Gothenburg is a team with great history, winner of the UEFA Cup twice, back in 1981-82 and 1986-87. However since then, the team has no real achievements and has been in the shadow.
Both teams have never met before, and this “clash” will be quite interesting.
AZ Alkmaar are a Netherlands club, also with great history. Placed second in the UEFA Cup back in 1980-81 and played a Semi-Final in 2005. The team won the Eredivisie (1st Netherlands Division) in 2009 and has been in great shape ever since.
Since 1978, whenever the team has played in any European Tournament Qualifications, they have reached at least the group stage.
Last 6 games for AZ:
AZ Alkmaar 2-0 Fenerbahce
AZ Alkmaar 1-0 Red Bull Salzburg
AZ Alkmaar 1-1 PSV
Willem II 0-3 AZ Alkmaar
AZ Alkmaar 1-0 Twente
NEC Nijmegen 0-0 AZ Alkmaar
Unbeaten, with 4 victories and 2 draw games is some serious record and this makes AZ the favorite tonight.
Last 6 games for IFK Gothenburg:
Halmstads 1-0 IFK Goteborg
IFK Goteborg 3-0 Halmstads
IFK Goteborg 1-1 Bristol City
IFK Goteborg 3-4* Kalmar FF
Vasby 0-2 IFK Goteborg
Gefle 0-0 IFK Goteborg
Two victories in the last 6 games with 2 draw games and 2 losses, not an impressive record, showing a bit of instability away and at home.
What to expect from this game?
AZ Alkmaar is famous for crushing their opponents if they spot a weakness in the other team. They have won numerous times with 6 goals difference. Personally I find them at least a class apart from IFK Gothenburg and I expect a victory with at least 2 goals difference.
The Betting Verdict?
Backing AZ to win @ 1.44 (Betfair.com): Home factor, great shape and 100% advancement in the past 32 years speak enough for themselves. I expect nothing less but a victory here.
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- Liverpool v Rabotnicki Betting Preview 2010-08-05 Europa League Qualifications
- Randers FC v Gorica Betting Preview 2010-07-22 Europa League Qualifications
- Teteks v Ventspils Betting Preview 2010-07-22 Europa League Qualifications
- Ventspils v Teteks Betting Preview 2010-07-15 Europa League Qualifications
