The UEFA Europa League playoff match between AZ Alkmaar and Galatasaray is generating considerable anticipation among football enthusiasts. Scheduled for February 12th at the AFAS Stadium in Alkmaar, Netherlands, this encounter pits two teams with contrasting trajectories in their respective leagues against each other. AZ Alkmaar currently occupies the fourth position in the Eredivisie and has been on a positive trajectory, winning three consecutive domestic matches . In contrast, Galatasaray leads the Super Lig but recently faced a setback with an abandoned match against Ajax. This context sets the stage for a compelling clash.
Interestingly, AZ and Galatasaray have already faced each other in the Europa League this season, playing to a 1-1 draw in November during the group stage in the Netherlands. Now, they meet again in the playoff stages, each vying for a spot in the Round of 16. The bookmakers see no clear favorite for this first leg, with Galatasaray being viewed as the overall favorite in the tie. However, another draw between these two sides would not come as a surprise.
AZ are fourth in the Dutch Eredivisie and are yet to lose a home game in European competition this season. The winners of this tie will face English opposition in the last 16, either Manchester United or Tottenham. The home side will want to go deep in this competition just as they did two seasons ago. On that occasion, they made it to the last four of the Europa Conference League.
Galatasaray are top of the Turkish Super Lig and only lost one game in the league phase. That was an away loss to Ajax in the league phase but as you'll read in our form guide, that's not the only game they've played in the Netherlands this season.
AZ Alkmaar possible starting lineup: Owusu-Oduro; Kasius, Goes, Penetra, Wolfe; Clasie, Koopmeiners; Addai, Mijnans, Lahdo; Parrott
Galatasaray possible starting lineup: Muslera; Ayhan, Cuesta, Bardakci, Kutlu; Sara, Demirbay; Sallai, Mertens, Yilmaz; Morata
Predictions regarding the outcome of this fixture vary among analysts. While one source forecasts a tightly contested 1-1 draw, another predicts a narrow victory for Galatasaray with a scoreline of 2-1. Key players such as Sven Mijnans for AZ Alkmaar and Victor Osimhen for Galatasaray are expected to play pivotal roles in determining the match's outcome. Notably, both teams will be without key players due to injuries or suspensions—AZ missing Van Bommel and Sadiq while Galatasaray will be without Icardi and Akgun.
In terms of viewing options, while specific free online streaming services were not detailed in available analyses , several platforms such as Sony LIV and TNT Sports are expected to broadcast the match. As fans eagerly await kickoff time at 15:00 ET (20:00 GMT), there remains an air of uncertainty that often accompanies knockout-stage encounters in European competitions
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