Galatasaray vs AZ Alkmaar Predictions & Tips – Visitors are Underestimated in the Europa League

Vedran Ostojic

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Last updated: 18 Feb 2025

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Vedran Ostojic 18 Feb 2025

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AZ Alkmaar have lost just one of their last six UEL contests
Galatasaray failed to beat this opponent two times this season
We are backing the Dutch side to leave Turkey unbeaten

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AZ Alkmaar have won their last 4 matches (Getty)

Galatasaray vs AZ Alkmaar Preview

Galatasaray have failed to beat AZ Alkmaar in two meetings this season and will need to take risks on Thursday to have any chance of overturning the 4-1 deficit. With the Dutch side in red-hot form, I see value in backing them with a double chance.

Galatasaray vs AZ Alkmaar Preview
Stats
HTH
Galatasaray Form
AZ Alkmaar Form
Team News
Predicted Starting Lineups

Stats

Galatasaray are winless in their last 2 matches against AZ Alkmaar.
Galatasaray have seen BTTS in 15 of their last 18 matches.
AZ Alkmaar have won their last 4 matches.
AZ Alkmaar have seen BTTS in 5 of their last 6 matches (Europa League).

HTH

This is going to be the third head to head meeting between these two sides.

The previous two took place earlier this season; a 1-1 draw in November, while AZ Alkmaar won the first tie 4-1 last week.

Galatasaray Form

After starting the month with three consecutive victories against Gaziantep 1-0, Boluspor 4-1 (Turkish Cup) and Adana Demirspor 3-0, Galatasaray have suffered the worst loss of the season last week to AZ Alkmaar 4-1 in the UEL playoffs.

After conceding an early goal, Cimbom leveled in the 20th minute through Roland Sallai, but their backline later collapsed, allowing three goals to the Dutch side. Also, Kaan Ayhan was sent off early in the second half.

Okan Buruk’s side returned to winning ways last weekend in the Super Lig, beating Rizespor 2-1 away from home with Victor Osimhen scoring a brace.

AZ Alkmaar Form

AZ Alkmaar’s confidence is soaring after securing four victories across competitions in February.

They started the month with three domestic wins 2-0 against Willem II, 3-1 against Quick Boys (Dutch Cup), and 2-0 against PEC Zwolle with Troy Parrott scoring in all three matches.

Last week, AZ Alkmaar claimed a commanding 4-1 lead against Galatasaray, with goals from Parrott, Sven Mijnans, Jordy Clasie, and David Moller Wolfe. They finished the match with 3.49-0.52 expected goals, 54% possession, and a 17-8 shot advantage.

Team News

Galatasaray’s recent acquisition Alvaro Morata is struggling with a hamstring injury, joining another high-profile striker Mauro Icardi on the injury list. Hosts will also be without Yunus Akgun and Ismail Jakobs while Kaan Ayhan is suspended.

As for the visitors, they can’t count on injured Ruben van Bommel, Ibrahim Sadiq and Sem Westerveld, while Kristijan Belic is back after serving a suspension.

Predicted Starting Lineups

Galatasaray: Muslera, Jelert, Sanchez, Bardacki, Jakobs, Kutlu, Sara, Tilmaz, Mertens, Akgun, Osimhen

AZ Alkmaar: Owusu-Oduro, Kasius, Goes, Penetra, Wolfe, Clasie, Koopmeiners, Poku, Mijnans, Lahdo, Parrott

Verdict

Galatasaray v AZ

AZ Alkmaar have lost just one of their last six UEL matches. They held Galatasaray to a 1-1 draw earlier this season before beating them 4-1 last week, so I’ll back the Dutch side to leave Turkey unbeaten. BTTS is also tipped.

BTTS Yes

Both Teams To Score

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