Our prediction for this Europa League match:
Athletic Bilbao
Match Time & Date:
03/10/2024
12:00 PM
Prediction: 2-1
AZ
After sharing the spoils with AS Roma in their opener, Athletic Club will look to return to winning ways in the Europa League when they take on AZ Alkmaar at their Estadio San Mames. The Lions have yet to find their best form, but they showed character in the Stadio Olimpico clash and they are surely capable of beating AZ in Bilbao. As Williams brothers are fit for Thursday’s clash, home win should definitely be considered.
The likes of Unai Simon, Ander Herrera, Yuri Berchiche, Yeray Alvarez, and Oihan Sancet are injured for the home side. The Cheese Farmers, on the other hand, failed to impress in a 2-1 loss to Utrecht, which is yet another reason why we are going to bet on the home side. Defender Bruno Martins Indi is back from suspension, but both Sem Westerveld and Wouter Goes continue to miss out with injuries for the visiting team.
Highlighted Player (Iñaki Williams):
Inaki Williams is one of the most talented Spanish players. The pacey winger, who plays as a centre-forward as well, started his senior career at Basconia, scoring seven goals in 18 appearances for the club. In 2014 he moved to Athletic Bilbao, but he played for the reserve team at the beginning.
Inaki impressed in the 2014/2015 season with Athletic Bilbao B and, as a result, he was given a chance to prove his worth in the Spanish top flight with the first team. The Spanish footballer made his La liga debut on December 6, 2014, replacing injured attacker Aritz Aduriz in a 1-0 loss to Cordoba.
Inaki Williams represented Spain at the 2017 U21 European Championship in Poland and he played 20 minutes in a 1-0 loss to Germany in the final of the tournament. Speaking of the senior squad, the Athletic Bilbao footballer made his Spain debut in a 3-1 victory over Bosnia on May 29, 2016. Inaki Williams was born in Bilbao on June 15, 1994.
Highlighted Team (AZ):
AZ Alkmaar are a professional football club that play their home matches at AFAS Stadion. The venue was opened on 4 August, 2006 and the construction of the stadium cost €38 million. AFAS Stadion is able to hold 17 023 spectators.
The Cheeseheads were founded on 10 May, 1967 and they won their first trophy in 1981, finishing the season 12 points clear of Dutch giants Ajax. 18 years later AZ clinched their second Eredivisie trophy, with the team finishing the 2008/2009 campaign with 80 points, 11 clear of second-placed Twente. In 1981 the club made it to the UEFA Cup final, but English side Ipswich Town proved to be a big catch for the Dutch team.
AZ’s home kits are red and white and they wear black shirts when playing on the road. The likes of Shota Arveladze, Jozy Altidore, Ron Vlaar, Joris Mathijsen, Graziano Pelle, Simon Poulsen, Moussa Dembele and Sergio Romero are notable footballers who played for AZ in the past.
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