Tottenham v AZ Alkmaar: UEFA Europa League Friday Preview

Tottenham Hotspur know they have work to do to overcome a 1-0 deficit as they host AZ Alkmaar in their UEFA Europa League last-16 second leg on Friday morning.

There was very little to choose from between the two sides after the first leg in the Netherlands, with Lucas Bergvall’s freak own goal proving the difference after the first 90 minutes.

Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs know what must be done in the second leg on Friday morning and they will be hoping the home crowd at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium can roar them onto a place in the UEFA Europa League last 16.

Tottenham v AZ Alkmaar betting preview

Spurs must build on Cherries comeback

It has been a tricky spell for Spurs of late with three games without a victory but their comeback last time out to draw with Bournemouth 2-2 should give them confidence.

Spurs looked destined for a home defeat against the Cherries but goals from Pape Sarr and Son Heung-Min in the 67th and 84th minute respectively gave Tottenham a share of the spoils.

Knowing they must come from behind to get past AZ Alkmaar this week, Postecoglou will have taken heart from that resilient display against Bournemouth.

Undefeated in their last 11 home games in the Europa League, Spurs have been impressive in the competition on their own patch and the hosts are 1.45 favourites to win in the 90 minutes and 1.66 to qualify for the quarter-finals.

AZ can’t sit back

AZ Alkmaar will know they can’t sit back for 90 minutes and hope they can earn a goalless draw to take them through to the last eight of the competition.

The Dutch outfit have a poor record when it comes to away games in the UEFA Europa League, failing to win any of their last eight matches on the road.

AZ will have one familiar face in the lineup for Spurs’ fans, with striker Troy Parrott set to lead the line against his former club.

The Irishman, who has scored 12 goals in 24 appearances in the Dutch top flight this season, is 4.00 to score against his former employers on Friday, while AZ are 6.50 to claim the win in 90 minutes.

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Tottenham v AZ Alkmaar odds

Tottenham - 1.45
Draw - 4.75
AZ Alkmaar - 6.50

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.