Dundalk
Dundalk have regained their Irish championship and all they have to play for is Europa League football. With 4 points from 4 games they occupy 2nd in the group and Thursday's game with AZ Alkmar is their final home game of the group.
No Irish side has made it through a group stages of a European competition so it would be a huge achievement if Dundalk can finish in the top 2. Dundalk have scored in all 4 group games but just 1 goal on each occasion which has left them with a (1-1-2) record. 1 clean sheet in 4 games is a concern and Zenit netted 2 goals against them in both their recent matches.
At home their record is 1-0-1, the only win of the group came against Maccabi Tel Aviv (1-0), it's also their only clean sheet. There is a concern that with the domestic season over fitness levels could drop but with a heavy fixture congestion at the end of their season I think it's a good thing having the break. Dundalk will have focused entirely on this game and a win would be huge in terms of qualification.
AZ Alkmaar
AZ Alkmaar are winless in the group and have just 2 points from their 4 games. They cannot afford a defeat as that will eliminate them from the competition, a draw and Zenit failing to beat Maccabi Tel Aviv would also see them eliminated so they really need to play for the win.
AZ have scored in 2/4 group games, but only once in the last 3. At the back it's 1 clean sheet in 4 with 2 or more conceded in 2/3. The Dutch side haven't played well at all in Europe this season and that really needs to change asap.
John van den Brom's side have failed to win any of their last 7 Europa League group away games (0-3-4). AZ haven't scored in either of their 2 away games this season and were thumped 5-0 at Zenit.
Betting Verdict
This is a huge game in the history of Irish football, Dundalk with a win would need potentially just a draw to qualify for the last 32. The team is fully rested and prepared with this being their last home game I like the Irish side to avoid defeat against AZ.
AZ as mentioned above haven't won in 7 Europa League away group games, they haven't scored in 2 this year and have conceded 2 or more in 2/3.
Dundalk have scored in both home game so far against stronger sides than AZ. The worry is they will need 2 to win the game and that remains to be seen. The stats are more than favourable to side with them and I'll take Dundalk +0.25 AH, personally hoping they get the win.
