Team analysis: Ludogorets
Ludogorets Razgrad has dominated the Bulgarian football scene for years, winning the national championship in the last 13 seasons. However, on the European stage, especially in the Europa League, they hardly manage to leave a significant mark. In the current league part of the competition, they are in 33rd place out of 36 teams, with only three points behind the places leading further.
Ludogorets are struggling to perform in Europe, scoring just one goal in five games. That only goal was the work of Brazilian winger Erick Marcus in the defeat of Athletic Bilbao (2-1). On the other hand, they are unstoppable on the domestic stage, achieving three convincing victories after returning from a break for national team duties, with a total score of 9-0 against Slavia Sofia, Arda Kardzhali and Botev Plovdiv.
Head coach Igor Jovićević, who took over the team in September, is trying to stabilize the team in European challenges. However, setbacks such as injuries to players such as Bernard Tekpetey and Anton Nedealkov further complicate the situation for the Bulgarian champions.
Team analysis: AZ Alkmaar
AZ Alkmaar is a stable representative of Dutch football, which has been in fourth place in the Eredivisie for two seasons in a row. Their ambition in the Europa League is high, as they want to repeat their past successes, including reaching the final of this competition in 1980-81.
Since the international break, AZ have been in solid form with a four-match unbeaten run, including wins against Dutch giants Ajax and a draw with Galatasaray in the Europa League. Their last win against Ajax (2-0) saw strikers Troy Parrott and Mayckel Lahd stand out.
However, AZ has problems with away games in European competitions. In the last two matches in the Europa League away from home, they suffered defeats against Athletic Bilbao (2-0) and Tottenham (1-0). Injuries to key players such as Ibrahim Sadiq and Stefan Westerveld, as well as the suspension of Kevin Smith, further weaken the team for the upcoming match.
Betting suggestion: 1X & 0-2 goals
Based on the current form and circumstances of both teams, Ludogorets seems to have a slight advantage due to playing at home and more consistent results in recent matches. Their defensive organization, especially at home, allows them to keep opponents to a low number of goals scored. At the same time, AZ Alkmaar has some problems with the continuity of form and comes to this match with the absence of several key players, which may affect their offensive game.
Considering the playing style of both teams and the current situation, a tactically disciplined match with few goals is expected. Ludogorets should use home advantage to avoid defeat, while AZ Alkmaar will likely try to save the score and look for chances on the counter-attack.
Quota 2.75
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