Galatasaray have a mountain to climb in the second leg of their Europa League play-off tie. Our Galatasaray vs AZ Alkmaar prediction and Europa League betting tips consider whether the visitors can turn a 4-1 advantage into a place in the round-of-16.
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Galatasaray vs AZ Alkmaar prediction: Osimhen to strike in high-scoring home win
Key stats
- Our Galatasaray vs AZ Alkmaar betting tips take into account that the Turks have won 10 of their last 14 games in all competitions.
- AZ have only failed to score in one of their last 22 matches.
- They’ve lost three of their four away games in the Europa League this term.
Correct score prediction: Galatasaray 4-2 AZ Alkmaar
AZ took full advantage of some significant selection issues for Okan Buruk’s side last week to secure a big lead in this tie, but it could be a very different story in Istanbul on Thursday.
With Davinson Sanchez, Lucas Torreira and Victor Osimhen returning from bans, Galatasaray look capable of winning on the night against an AZ side that doesn’t tend to travel well in Europe.
The visitors always carry a goal threat though, and that may be enough to see them win the tie overall.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Galatasaray the second-leg favourites
- HOME: 13/20 (1.65) – 60.6%
- DRAW: 10/3 (4.33) – 23.1%
- AWAY: 17/5 (4.40) – 22.7%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The hosts are the favourites according to the Galatasaray vs AZ Alkmaar odds, with an implied probability of 60.6% that they win this match.
They were in action on Monday, winning 2-1 at Rizespor in the Turkish Super Lig, with Osimhen scoring twice.
As for AZ, they’ve not played since the first leg of this tie when Troy Parrott was among the scorers in a convincing win.
For more from the upcoming matches in Europe, today’s free football tips look at some of the best picks.
Most recent H2Hs: Clubs set for third meeting of the season
Our Galatasaray vs AZ Alkmaar prediction suggests the Turkish side will get the better of their Dutch opponents for the first time.
The only previous meetings were both in the Netherlands, and both in this season’s Europa League, ending in a 1-1 draw and a 4-1 AZ win.
UEFA Europa League 13/02/25
AZ
Galatasaray
UEFA Europa League 28/11/24
AZ
Galatasaray
Galatasaray preview: Mixed news for Buruk
While they have three players available again following suspensions, the home team are missing Yunus Akgun, Ismail Jakobs, Alvaro Morata and Mauro Icardi to injuries.
Predicted Lineup: Muslera (GK), Jelert, Bardakci, D. Sanchez, Kutlu, Sara, Torreira, Sallai, Mertens, Yilmaz & Osimhen
Tu00fcrkiye Super Lig 11/04/25 W Samsunspor 0 Galatasaray 2 Tu00fcrkiye Cup 02/04/25 W Fenerbahce 1 Galatasaray 2 Tu00fcrkiye Super Lig 29/03/25 L Besiktas 2 Galatasaray 1 Tu00fcrkiye Super Lig 14/03/25 W Antalyaspor 0 Galatasaray 4 Tu00fcrkiye Super Lig 09/03/25 W Alanyaspor 1 Galatasaray 2
AZ Alkmaar preview: Belic returns from ban
Ruben van Bommel, Sem Westerveld and Ibrahim Sadiq are out injured for the visitors. Kristijan Belic is available following suspension and pushing for a start in midfield.
Predicted Lineup: Owusu-Oduro (GK), Kasius, Goes, Penetra, Wolfe, Belic, Koopmeiners, Poku, Mijnans, Lahdo & Parrott
Netherlands Eredivisie 13/04/25 L Heracles 1 AZ 0 Netherlands Eredivisie 05/04/25 L Feyenoord 1 AZ 0 Netherlands Eredivisie 01/04/25 D RKC 2 AZ 2 Netherlands Eredivisie 29/03/25 D NEC 3 AZ 3 Netherlands Eredivisie 16/03/25 D Ajax 2 AZ 2
Player to watch – Victor Osimhen
The return of Osimhen is unquestionably very significant for the hosts. The Nigerian has scored five goals in six Europa League outings this term.
Osimhen scoring just before the break in Europe
The ex-Napoli striker has been most impactful just before the interval this term in the Europa League. Three of his five strikes have come between the 30th and 45th minutes.