Verdict: AZ Almaar win
Best Odds: 4/7
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Two camps who will sign off their respective Europa Conference League group stage adventures on Thursday night, AZ Alkmaar will welcome Jagiellonia to Holland.
AZ Alkmaar
Starting with the hosts, putting in what was a dominant European performance last week as they stormed their way to an empathic 3-0 victory against Drita, AZ Alkmaar will be dreaming of a repeat display here. Getting their group stage finale underway on Thursday night sat just one-point adrift of skyrocketing their way into the top-eight, Maarten Martens’ men will feel that they have been handed a golden opportunity in midweek. Despite continuing to show some real inconsistencies on the road, Alkmaar have gained a reputation for their rugged success at the AFAS Stadion. Signing off November with a routine 2-0 win against Irish outfit Shelbourne, Martens’ side have suffered just a single defeat in front of their own supporters across all competitions since the start of April.
AZ Alkmaar Team News
Not featuring since the end of September and still dealing with a long-term knee injury, AZ Alkmaar will once again be without veteran midfielder Jordi Classie on Thursday night. Likewise, academy graduate Mexx Meerdink remains on the sidelines with a groin issue.
Continuing on what has been a sensational free-scoring run this season and reportedly attracting plenty of Premier League interest, Ireland international Troy Parrott will spearhead Alkmaar’s charge. One-time Benfica youngster Penetra will start at the heart of Martens’ defence in midweek.
Jagiellonia
As for the visitors, although Jagiellonia might find themselves sat in the driving seat to punch a famous knockout stage ticket this season, the Polish outfit are in the midst of what has become a worrying recent rut. Failing to claim some much-needed momentum over the weekend as they eventually had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate away at Motor Lubin, Adrian Siemieniec’s side have failed to win any of their previous five appearances across all competitions, Thursday’s guests are enduring their worst run of the 2025/26 campaign. Last seen in Europa Conference League action falling to a 2-1 defeat at home against Rayo Vallecano, Jagiellonia are rightfully installed as a real underdog contender when they travel to the Netherlands on Thursday night.
Jagiellonia Team News
Not included in Siemieniec’s Europa Conference League squad this year, former Derby striker Kamil Jozwiak will not feature on Thursday night. Ahead of their trip to the Netherlands in midweek, Jagiellonia have reported a clean bill of health.
Making a permanent move from MLS outfit Charlotte earlier in the year, Ariel Jackson should return to Jagiellonia’s travelling squad here. Bagging a seventh domestic strike against Motor Lubin over the weekend, one-time Basel striker Afimico Pululu will lead the line.
AZ Alkmaar vs Jagiellonia Key Factors to Consider
- Thursday’s showdown in Holland will be the first competitive meeting between AZ Alkmaar and Jagiellonia.
- AZ Alkmaar have remarkably suffered just a single defeat in front of their own supporters since the start of April.
- Jagiellonia have failed to win any of their previous five appearances across all competitions.
- Ireland international Troy Parrott has recorded seven goals in his nine Europa Conference League appearances this season.
- Jagiellonia have recorded just a pair of wins from any of their last 11 away fixtures across all fronts.
Conclusion
Looking to skyrocket their way into the top-eight on Thursday night, AZ Alkmaar are rightfully installed as a standout contender here. Suffering just a single defeat in front of their own supporters since the start of April, the Dutch outfit should be relishing Jagiellonia’s arrival in midweek. Storming their way to what was a routine 3-0 Europa Conference League victory away at Drita last week, Alkmaar will be dreaming of a repeat display. With Thursday’s guests failing to win any of their last five appearances across all formats and enduring their longest rut of the 2025/26 campaign, we are backing a home victory in midweek.
Verdict: AZ Alkmaar win
Best Odds: 4/7
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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