Ludogorets vs AZ Alkmaar Lineups, Preview, Prediction, and Team News| UEFA Europa League, December 12, 2024

Ludogorets vs AZ Alkmaar Preview

• Tournament: UEFA Europa League
• Date: Thursday, December 12, 2024
• Time: 5:45 pm GMT
• Venue: Ludogorets Arena

Ludogorets will host AZ Alkmaar at the Ludogorets Arena in their UEFA Europa League clash on Thursday. The two sides are in different places in the table but still have the opportunity to reach their respective goals.

Ludogorets are 33^rd in the table after five games with two draws and three defeats. They have just two points but are three points behind the top 24, which will lead to them qualifying for playoffs for the knockouts. Hence, with just three games left in the league stage, they can ill afford to drop points.

AZ Alkmaar, meanwhile, are ninth in the table with seven points with two wins, one draw and two defeats. They are just three points behind the top 8 and will be eager to finish in the top 8 and directly qualify for the knockout rounds.

A win could be huge for either side but given their form in the tournament so far, it could go either way.

Ludogorets Team News

Ludogorets will likely be without Anton Nedyalkov and Bernard Tekpetey. Both are doubtful for the clash and could return to the bench but are unlikely to start.

AZ Alkmaar Team News

AZ Alkmaar, meanwhile, will be without Kees Smit due to his suspension after his red card against Galatasaray last time out. Ibrahim Sadiq, Rome Owusu-Oduro, and Sem Westerveld are all doubts about the clash.

Also Read: Viktoria Plzen vs Manchester United Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | Europa League, December 12, 2024

Predicted Lineups

Ludogorets predicted lineup (4-1-4-1):

Goalkeeper: Sergio Padt

Defenders: Son, Edvin Kurtulus, Dinis Almeida, Denny Gropper

Midfielders: Pedro Naressi, Ivailo Chochev, Deroy Duarte

Attackers: Erick Marcus, Rwan Cruz, Rick

AZ Alkmaar predicted lineup (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Jeroen Zoet

Defenders: David Moller Wolfe, Maxim Dekker, Alexandre Penetra, Seiya Maikuma

Midfielders: Peer Koopmeiners, Sven Mijnans, Jordy Clasie

Attackers: Ruben van Bommel, Troy Parrott, Ernest Poku

Ludogorets vs AZ Alkmaar H2H Record

The two sides have never faced each other. It will be their first-ever meeting on Thursday.

Also Read: Elfsborg vs Qarabag Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | Europa League, December 12, 2024

Key Players to watch in Ludogorets vs AZ Alkmaar

Rwan Cruz

The Brazilian centre-forward has been excellent for Ludogorets. He joined the club from Santos last summer on a season-long loan. After an impressive season, he joined them permanently in the summer of this year.

Rwan Cruz has scored eight goals and provided two assists in 16 league appearances this season and is Ludogorets’ top scorer. However, he’s failed to record any goal contribution in their Europa League campaign so far.

With the clash against AZ Alkmaar crucial, Ludogorets will hope Cruz can replicate his league form in the European competition and help them secure three points.

Troy Parrott

For AZ Alkmaar, all eyes will be on Troy Parrott. The 22-year-old striker came through Tottenham’s academy but could only make four senior appearances for them. He spent most of his time out on loan at the likes of Millwall, Ipswich Town, MK Dons, Excelsior, and more.

He finally left Spurs on a permanent basis in the summer to join AZ Alkmaar. He’s scored nine goals and provided two assists in 20 games across competitions for them so far. He’s the club’s top scorer and recently broke a four-game goal drought by scoring in their 2-1 win over Ajax. He will be keen to add to his tally against Ludogorets.

Ludogorets vs AZ Alkmaar Prediction

Ludogorets have yet to win a single game in the Europa League so far, having drawn two and lost three. They drew against Lazio and Viktoria Plzen and lost against Athletic Club, Anderlecht, and Slavia Praha.

Ludogorets are, however, unbeaten in their last six games across competitions, having won their previous three games. AZ Alkmaar, meanwhile, are unbeaten in their last four games and have two wins on the trot.

The Dutch side have two wins, one draw, and two defeats in the Europa League so far. They beat Fenerbahce and Elfsborg, lost against Tottenham and Athletic Club and drew against Galatasaray.

A win could propel AZ Alkmaar into the top 8 in the Europa League table and given their form and quality, they will be favorites to win. However, Ludogorets held table-toppers Lazio to a 0-0 draw away from home in their last game and will take confidence from that.

This could end in a stalemate, which would likely signify Ludogorets’ elimination.

Predicted Score: Ludogorets 1-1 AZ Alkmaar

Where to watch Ludogorets vs AZ Alkmaar Live?

FAQs