AZ Alkmaar V Manchester United Betting Tips: AZ or Draw – 3 October 2019

Hosts generously priced to exploit United struggles?

AZ Alkmaar V Manchester United

Thursday 3 October 2019 – 17:55 Kick-Off
UEFA Europa League
Pick: AZ Alkmaar or Draw (Double Chance)
Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: MarathonBet

1 X 2
39/20 9/4 31/20

* (All betting odds displayed were correct as of 1 October 2019 at 12:40)

Preview: There should be a capacity crowd inside the Cars Jean Stadion in Den Haag, despite the venue not being the natural habitat of AZ Alkmaar whose AFAS Stadion is still on the mend. That is because Manchester United are in town for this UEFA Europa League Group L encounter, the club whose lure remains strong despite performances on the pitch continually underwhelming.

UEFA Europa League Betting – 22Bet

 

AZ Alkmaar Preview – Dutch outfit to continue fine form?

Anyone undermining the value currently on offer about an AZ Alkmaar (2/1 with MoPlay) win need only glance at the current standings in the Netherlands Eredivisie table, with this club setting off at a similar pace to the two powerhouses of Dutch football in Ajax and PSV Eindhoven. Coached by 41-year-old Arne Slot, AZ are only one point behind the illustrious pair in third position, after winning six of their opening eight league games (W6 D1 L1, GF18 GA3) – including the last four in succession.

Sunday’s routine win over Heracles, meanwhile, made it four on the spin for AZ, but more impressive was the fact it was achieved without shipping a goal for the third match running – which bodes well ahead of facing an opponent that has been known to labour in the final third this season. In fact, the Dutch side have conceded only three league goals all season, with two coming in the same outing: a surprise 2-1 loss away to Vitesse Arnhem in what remains their only loss of the campaign in all competitions (W8 D6 L1).

Alkmaar were, however, held in their first fixture in this group. Although it might have felt like a point gained rather than two dropped, departing Serbia with a 2-2 draw against Partizan Belgrade despite playing around an hour with a numerical disadvantage. This will also be their fourth home encounter in Europe for the season, having featured relatively early in the qualifying rounds versus Hacken (0-0), Mariupol (4-0) and Antwerp (1-1).

 

AZ Alkmaar Win To Nil
9/2

Bet365

 

Manchester United Preview – Red Devils to make it two from two in Group L?

Expectations are possibly at an all-time low among the Manchester United (29/20 with WilliamHill) fan base. Last week the club were taken to penalties in the EFL Cup by League One side Rochdale, eventually scraping through after a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. Meanwhile that same venue watched their team churn out one of many turgid displays this season in the Monday Night Football, drawing 1-1 with Arsenal. Just about the only thing we can expect here, therefore, is beleaguered manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer rotating his team.

The Norwegian has named much-changed line-ups in the various cup competitions, including that far-from-pretty 1-0 win over Astana in Manchester in their opening group game. One individual who has shone specifically in these games has been 17-year-old Mason Greenwood, who would open the scoring versus both Astana and Rochdale. The forward seems almost certain to spearhead the attack here and is reasonably priced to find the back of the net in Holland at 9/4 with PaddyPower.

As far as United’s prospect of winning this match and doubling their points tally in this section, those would appear slim on the basis of their away performances in 2019/20 thus far. It is no win in three on the road (D2 L1, GF2 GA4), with the latest of those a dispiriting 2-0 defeat at West Ham in the league. Speaking of the league, their early form has been distinctly ordinary (10th – W2 D3 L2, GF9 GA7). They go to Newcastle at the weekend and that does feel like a far more important fixture in the current climate.

 

AZ Alkmaar V Manchester United Key Facts:

  • AZ Alkmaar sit third in Holland’s top division (W6 D1 L1) and were held to a 2-2 draw away to Partizan Belgrade in their first group game.
  • Manchester United are currently 10th in the English Premier League (W2 D3 L2) but would defeat Astana 1-0 at home first time out in this group.
  • The Alkmaar club arrive with a four-match winning streak domestically, whereas United have failed to win their last three domestic fixtures inside 90 minutes (D2 L1).

 

Betting Summary

Possessing a winning mentality and arrogance can be hugely important. AZ Alkmaar boast that in abundance right now, recording a fourth consecutive league victory in Holland at the weekend. There was, of course, a 2-2 draw at Partizan Belgrade amongst all that, though that was a par result considering they were reduced to ten men early on. Moreover, just one loss in fifteen matches in 2019/20 is eye-catching (W8 D6 L1).

The seemingly unthinkable is in motion, which is Manchester United gradually deteriorating with every passing game. Back-to-back 1-1 draws at home to Rochdale and Arsenal were preceded by a damning 2-0 loss away to West Ham. The club are languishing in 10th in the English Premier League and although victorious first time out in this competition, when beating Astana 1-0 at Old Trafford, it was hardly a compelling watch.

Manchester United are still a massive club; however, that is currently not being reflected out on the pitch. Even the strongest United team would have its work cut out on current form beating this confident, in-form AZ Alkmaar side, let alone one likely comprising numerous personnel changes. United could win, but I wouldn’t feel at all confident backing them to do so versus a team which has lost once all season.