Opposition Preview: AZ Alkmaar

Tomorrow night, Spurs will take to the field as they host AZ Alkmaar in their third Europa League game in the new league phase format. 

It has been the perfect start to the campaign, with Ange Postecoglu’s side one of five teams to have won both of their opening games so far, beating Qarabag 3-0 at home, and Ferencvaros 2-1 on the road.

So, what can we expect from tomorrow’s visitors?

AZ currently sit fifth in the Eredivise, with 16 points from nine games, and have lost their previous three outings. 

In all competitions, they have lost four in a row, having been defeated by Athletic Club in their last game in this competition, though did beat Elfsborg on matchday one. 

In that game at Athletic Club, it took goals in the 72nd and 85th minutes to be defeated, but the hosts did dominate the game in a way you would expect Spurs to also do.

Despite recent poor form, they are averaging two goals a game in the Eredivise, scoring 18 goals and conceding seven so far. 

Their top scorer is a familiar name, with former Tottenham Hotspur striker Troy Parrott leading the way five goals — though he has also missed seven big chances. No doubt it will be an occasion he is very excited for, and he will surely get a good reception from the home crowd at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Other dangermen include Ibrahim Sadiq, who has four goals and three assists in the Eredivise from the right-wing. Left-winger Ruben van Bommel, scored two goals in the opening night win over Elfsborg. Just to make you feel old, he is the son of Mark van Bommel.

Midfielder Jordy Clasie played against Spurs in a 2-1 win for Southampton back in May of 2016. Son scored his fourth Premier League goal out of 123 that day. 

According to the injury report, Bruno Martins Indi, Mees de Wit, and Lequincio Zeefuik are out for the game. Martins Indi played against Spurs three times during his time with Stoke City in the Premier League.

They have quite a young and vibrant side, with nine of eleven players in their possible line up born in the 21st century, with three of those being born in 2004. We could see quite an energetic and high tempo game tomorrow night. Kick off is 20:00 BST.

Potential AZ line up; Rome Jayden Owusu-Oduro; Seiya Maikuma, Alexandre Penetra, Maxim Dekker, David Moller Wolfe; Peer Koopmeiners, Jordy Clasie; Ibrahim Sadiq, Sven Mijnans, Ruben van Bommel; Troy Parrott.