Dutch side AZ Alkmaar have the home advantage for their opening tie in the new-look Europa League against Elfsborg on Wednesday evening.
The odds are stacked against the visitors from Sweden as AZ have made a flying start in the Eredivisie, scoring goals for fun and looking full of confidence.
Contents
AZ Alkmaar vs Elfsborg prediction: Home win expected
Key Stats
- Elfsborg have only won two of their last six matches in all competitions.
- AZ won their last home game 9-1 against Heerenveen.
- Ibrahim Sadiq joint-top scores for AZ this season with four goals.
Correct score prediction: AZ 3-0 Elfsborg
Wednesday's hosts have kept four clean sheets in their last six matches and have scored 14 goals in their last three outings, so you can see why we're backing a comfortable 3-0 win for the Dutch side.
Pre-game odds and win probability: AZ the clear favourite
- HOME: 6/11 (1.55) – 64.7%
- DRAW: 15/4 (4.75) – 21.1%
- AWAY: 11/2 (6.50) – 15.4%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
AZ are the expected winner of this game with a probability of 64.7% and we can only see this game ending in a victory for the hosts.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Never met before
Wednesday's clash between AZ and Elfsborg marks an historic day for both clubs as the pair meet for the very first time in the Europa League's brand-new format.
AZ preview: In great form domestically
AZ Alkmaar continue to put pressure on the league leaders PSV with a 2-1 win at Zwolle over the weekend which leaves the club sitting two points behind the Dutch giants in second place.
Maarten Martens' side have made an unbeaten start to the season winning five and drawing one of their opening six games in the Eredivisie.
Defenders Mees de Wit and Bruno Martins Indi and midfielder Sem Westerveld are all doubts for the Elfsborg game due to injury.
Predicted lineup: Owusu-Oduro (GK), Penetra, Moller Wolfe, Maikuma, Goes, Clasie, Koopmeiners, Mijnans, Sadiq, Parrott & van Bommel
Netherlands Eredivisie 11/05/25
W
FC Groningen
0
AZ
3
Netherlands Eredivisie 04/05/25
W
Go Ahead Eagles
0
AZ
3
Netherlands Eredivisie 24/04/25
D
NAC
1
AZ
1
Netherlands Cup 21/04/25
L
Go Ahead Eagles
1 (4)
AZ
1 (2)
Netherlands Eredivisie 13/04/25
L
Heracles
1
AZ
0
Elfsborg preview: Sit sixth in the Allsvenskan
Elfsborg's form has been hit and miss of late with the Swedish club picking up two wins, three draws and suffering one defeat from their last six outings.
A goalless draw at home to Hammarby at the weekend means that Elfsborg sit sixth in the Allsvenskan on 38 points.
The visitors have a clean bill of health and no suspended players for the trip to the Netherlands this week.
Predicted lineup: Pettersson (GK), Hult, Holmen, Henriksson, Yegbe, Zeneli, Hedlund, Baidoo, Zeneli, Qasem & Ouma
Sweden Allsvenskan 11/05/25
W
Osters IF
0
Elfsborg
1
Sweden Allsvenskan 05/05/25
W
GAIS
0
Elfsborg
2
Sweden Allsvenskan 27/04/25
L
AIK
2
Elfsborg
0
Sweden Allsvenskan 23/04/25
W
Sirius
3
Elfsborg
4
Sweden Allsvenskan 19/04/25
W
Degerfors
0
Elfsborg
1
Player to watch: Ibrahim Sadiq
Ibrahim Sadiq made his name in Sweden with Hacken and will be very familiar to Wednesday's guests Elfsborg.
The Ghana international forward made 22 appearances in his debut season with AZ, scoring three goals, but has already scored four goals in his opening six league games of the 2024/25 Eredivisie campaign.
Alkmaar's Ghanen forward has made a great start to the season
We're backing Sadiq to score against Elfsborg on Wednesday evening in what should end up being a comfortable win for our Dutch hosts.