AZ Alkmaar vs Aston Villa tips and predictions: Honours even in high-scoring draw
- Robbie Savage
- 25 October 2023
Planet Sport Bet's Robbie Savage is anticipating a thrilling encounter between AZ Alkmaar and Aston Villa on Thursday.
AZ Alkmaar are second in the Eredivisie. Aston Villa fifth in the Premier League.
A lot of people are saying Aston Villa can qualify for the Champions League this season, they’re away form is not great though.
In all competitions, Villa have only won one of their last four away games so they need to improve on the road.
I think AZ Alkmaar will get something out of this game. I’m going with a 2-2 draw.
Robbie’s Tip: AZ Alkmaar 2-2 Aston Villa
AZ Alkmaar vs Aston Villa team news
Mayckel Lahdo has had a hand in four goals this season but is unavailable for AZ due to suspension.
Mees de Wit and Sem Westerveld are also unavailable due to injury.
Aston Villa will be without Tyrone Mings, Emi Buendia, Jacob Ramsey and Alex Moreno.
Alkmaar hitman Vangelis Pavlidis has scored 13 in nine so far this season, while Ollie Watkins has 10 goal involvements in as many matches. Both should start.
Key stats
- AZ are second in the Eredivisie, unbeaten with eight wins and one draw to their name.
- AZ have won four in a row across all competitions.
- Aston Villa have won three of their last four games, scoring 12 goals in the process.
- Villa have won just one of their last four away games in all competitions.
Planet Sport’s other bets to consider
Incredibly, AZ Alkmaar, Aston Villa, Legia Warsaw and Zrinjski are level on three points with a neutral goal difference through two matches.
Unai Emery’s side have scored 25 times in nine Premier League games, but they’ve also conceded three or more on three occasions away from home.
The hosts are averaging three goals per game at home in the Eredivisie, so it’s clear both sides know where the net is.
Both teams to score looks like a solid starting point, although the price is slightly skimpy. Over 2.5 goals and both teams to score looks better.
If you’re expecting another wild and wide-open game from Villa, then both teams to score in both halves is a huge price worth chancing.
