AZ Alkmaar vs. Malmo FF: Altidore and Larsson to shine – UEFA Europa League preview
AZ Alkmaar will take on Malmo FF in opening game of the UEFA Europa League group stage at AFAS Stadion on Thursday, September 15.
AZ Alkmaar
The Alkmaar outfit finished fourth in the Eredivisie last term and had to compete in the play-offs for a berth in Europe’s secondary club competition. That wasn’t too big a problem as http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/AZ-c38571 thrashed Aalesund FK 8-1 on aggregate to ease their way into the group
stage.
AZ have commenced the new season impressively, currently placed second in the league table. The outfit from Alkmaar would be looking to carry on their exciting form to Europe and enhance their chances of progressing through to the next phase of the competition.
Gertjan Verbeek, AZ manager, is brimming with confidence after his side started the 2011/12 campaign on a high note. The tactician believes that his troops have the quality to emerge victorious in the opening encounter of the group stage phase.
“Playing our own game is our best chance of a good result. I have no energy for the extended analysis of Malmo. Of course I have seen videos, but we will not change our approach. They will respect us, but not fear. It is up to Malmo to stop us. How? I cannot
read the Malmo coach's mind”
“I’m not good at names - you get that when you have past 40. But songs I know. Their number nine is a Brazilian. He played briefly behind their new purchase, number 13. Ranegie, or something”, Verbeek was quoted as saying to the Dutch media.
AZ will be without a host of top players for this encounter. Maarten Mertens, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Joey-Didulica-c18757 are all sidelined due to their respective injuries.
Malmo FF
Di blae had an exceptional 2010 in Allsvenskan as they ended up lifting the league title. The Swedish champions had a good opportunity to play in UEFA Champions League this season as they were required to win the last qualifying round.
However, Dinamo Zagreb defeated the Blues 4-3 on aggregate and forced them to continue their European voyage in the second tier competition.
Malmo head coach Rikard Norling has admitted that the Dutch side are far superior to his team and has already put them as the favourites. However, the tactician has still urged his troops to give their 100 percent in order to prove stiff resistance to the
home side.
Players to watch
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jozy-Altidore-c19634 – AZ Alkmaar
The young American ace has already made the headlines following his impressive performances in the Dutch top flight. The 21-year-old has managed to hit the target on five occasions in six appearances. With his pace and ability to find the back of the net
consistently, the striker has certainly become a key acquisition for AZ this season.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Daniel-Larsson-c10002 – Malmo FF
The visitors will have to rely upon the Swedish International to score goals, if they have any intentions to secure any points.
Probable Line-up
AZ Alkmaar: http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Brett-Holman-c8047; Jozy Altidore.
Malmo FF: http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jimmy-Durmaz-c18560; Daniel Larsson, Mathias Ranegie.
Prediction
AZ’s exceptional form this season puts them as favourite to bag all three points in this encounter. The match will end in a 2-0 win in favour of the hosts.
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