Prediction: Manchester United vs AZ Alkmaar over 2.5
Manchester United will look to secure top spot in Group L in the Europa League when they entertain AZ Alkmaar at Old Trafford on Thursday night.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer elected to field a young side in the Red Devils’ previous European outing at Astana in late November, losing 2-1 as they failed to win the group outright ahead of a few important domestic fixtures.
However, Alkmaar have been one of the standout sides in the Eredivisie so far this season and trail leaders Ajax by just three points following a run of six consecutive league wins but a trip to Old Trafford knowing that victory will be enough to relegate the Premier League giants into second place.
Team News
Changes are expected from Saturday’s Manchester derby success. Juan Mata, Axel Tuanzebe, Mason Greenwood and Brandon Williams are among those who could come in for United.
Nemanja Matic could be gifted a start if deemed fit enough to start, but there are also doubts over Luke Shaw and Marcos Rojo’s fitness. Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Eric Bailly, Paul Pogba and Diogo Dalot all remain absent.
For the visitors, Myron Boadu is suspended, while Albert Gudmundsson and Pantelis Hatzidiakos are out injured, while Jordy Clasie, who had an unsuccessful spell at Southampton, is expected to feature in central defence.
Head to Head
Manchester United and AZ met for the first time ever in UEFA competition earlier this season in The Hague, the contest ending in a bore 0-0 draw.
The Premier League side have faced Dutch opposition a total of 17 times, with their most recent meeting with Ajax ending with United lifting the Europa League trophy in 2017. They have beaten sides visiting from the Netherlands in six of their eight home fixtures, most recently smashing Feyenoord 4-0 in 2016/17.
Alkmaar’s last five away games against English sides have all ended in defeat, including losses at Ipswich and Arsenal.
Recent Form
While he was previously under pressure, Solskjaer has managed to pull out two massive results in consecutive Premier League games, beating Tottenham 2-1 at home before edging Manchester City by the same scoreline at the Etihad after previous to those games, United had been held to draws with Aston Villa and Sheffield United, also losing to Astana.
AZ have scored six league wins on the bounce over the last few weeks and have won two of their last three Europa League games.
Manchester United possible starting lineup: Romero; Young, Tuanzebe, Rojo, Williams; Matic, Pereira; James, Mata, Chong; Greenwood.
AZ possible starting lineup: Bizot; Svensson, Wuytens, Vlaar, Wijndal; Wit, Clasie, Koopmeiners; Stengs, Druijf, Idrissi.
Prediction: Manchester United vs AZ Alkmaar over 2.5
