Looking to lay down a Europa League marker on Thursday night, Juventus will travel to the Netherlands when they meet AZ Alkmaar.
With a stacked midweek schedule from across the continent, there are plenty of eye-catching Europa League betting promotions available.
Ahead of Thursday's showdown from the AFAS Stadion, you can find all of the key AZ Alkmaar vs Juventus H2H stats here.
Verdict: Under 3.5 goals
Best Odds: 2/5
Bookmaker:Â BetUS
AZ Alkmaar
Starting with the hosts, while AZ Alkmaar might have enjoyed a dominant start to proceedings when opening up the 2026/27 campaign, Lee-Roy Echteld's men are desperately searching for some recent stability. Last seen over the weekend putting in a toothless display as they were hit with a 1-0 loss away at Dutch giants Ajax, the Cheese Farmers have come under some scrutiny over the past few weeks. Hit with consecutive Eredivisie defeats for the first time this season, Alkmaar have also registered just a sole win from any of their previous four appearances across all competitions. Facing what is a blockbuster Europa League showdown on Thursday night, the Reds are also searching for some much-welcomed defensive grit. In fact, the one-time PSG coach has seen his inconsistent squad muster just a single clean sheet from their last six straight attempts.
AZ Alkmaar Team News
All still dealing with respective injury issues, AZ Alkmaar will be unable to call upon the trio of Jizz Hornkamp, Kees Smit and summer recruit Stije Resink. However, despite currently serving a domestic suspension, former Sparta Rotterdam youngster Ayoub Oufkir will return to Echteld's squad here.
Settling for a spot on the bench away at Ajax on Saturday, ex-Watford defender Wesley Hoedt could be handed an immediate full recall. Notching a pair of Europa League strikes in his first three group stage appearances, Dutch marksman Mexx Meerdink will lead Alkmaar's attack.
Juventus
As for the visitors, while Juventus might have made an immediate return to winning ways last time out as they secured a stellar 2-0 victory at home against bitter domestic foes Napoli, the Old Lady will be dreaming of a repeat performance here. However, missing out on what they had billed as a golden opportunity on October 22nd as they were eventually forced to settle for a 2-2 stalemate against French outfit Rennes, Luciano Spalletti's side are also searching for some essential stability. Coming under plenty of scrutiny last month as they slumped to an infamous 3-0 drumming at the hands of Lazio, Juventus have failed to register back-to-back wins since the middle of September. Widely regarded as a standout Europa League title contender this season, the Old Lady will be hoping to make a real statement on foreign soil in midweek.
Juventus Team News
Juggling what has become a stacked injury list in Turin, Juventus will once again be without the likes of Zeki Celik, Franciso Conceicao, Kennan Yildiz and French international Khephren Thuram here. Likewise, dealing with a recent calf issue, ex-Fiorentina star Nicolas Gonzalez remains a major doubt.
Coming off the bench and bagging a maiden Serie A strike of the season against Napoli last weekend, Jeremie Boga could be handed a full recall. Arriving from Tottenham on a year-long loan switch, Guglielmo Vicario will start between the sticks.
AZ Alkmaar vs Juventus Key Factors to Consider
- Thursday's Europa League showdown in the Netherlands will be the first competitive meeting between AZ Alkmaar and Juventus.
- Juventus have failed to register consecutive wins across all competitions since the middle of September.
- AZ Alkmaar have mustered just a sole clean sheet from any of their previous six appearances across all fronts.
- The Cheese Farmers have recorded back-to-back blanks for the first time this calendar year.
- Continuing on from last season, eight of Juventus' last 11 matchups outside of Turin have finished with under 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
Making an immediate return to winning ways last time out as they clinched a 2-0 victory at home against bitter domestic rivals Napoli, Juventus will be dreaming of a repeat performance when they turn their attention back to Europa League action in midweek. Mustering seven points from their opening three group stage showdowns, the Italian icons are desperate to make a public statement on foreign soil. However, with AZ Alkmaar drawing back-to-back blanks for the first time so far this calendar year, don't be surprised to see a nail-biting affair on Thursday night.
Verdict: Under 3.5 goals
Best Odds: 2/5
Bookmaker:Â BetUS
