West Ham vs. Alkmaar: Preview and betting tips

Thursday’s football programme will feature the semi-finals of the European Conference League. West Ham will take on AZ Alkmaar in London and will try to build as big a lead as possible for the rematch in the Netherlands. What to expect from the game?

West Ham won an important game against Manchester United at the weekend to bounce back from the relegation zone. With three rounds to go, they are seven points clear of the last three from 15th place, so they only need one win to be sure of staying among the elite.

Alkmaar, on the other hand, is not doing well. It has won only three of its last eight games, which has dropped it to fourth place in the table and away from the Top 3. They are two points behind third-placed Ajax Amsterdam with three rounds to go.

West Ham’s key figures

The hosts rely on Said Benrahma, the Algerian winger has netted ten goals and assisted five times. Declan Rice holds the backline, the team captain and England international has netted four goals and assisted four.

Alkmaar’s key figures

The visitors are led by Greek goal scorer Vangelis Pavlidis, the national winger has netted 22 goals and assisted on ten. He is helped from the wing by Jens Odgaard, the Danish speedster has scored 12 goals and assisted six times.

The Hammers have really picked up since March, losing only four of their last 14 games through all competitions. They have also improved defensively, scoring more than once in only four of their last nine games, plus against Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal and a rampant Crystal Palace side.

However, even Alkmaar have brought their defensive record up to ideal, keeping a clean sheet in their last four games. 32 league goals conceded is the third lowest number in the Dutch Eredivisie after Twente and Feyenoord Rotterdam.

Considering West Ham’s much improved form, the huge motivation to finally win their first European trophy and the peace of mind the players can have after the league win over Manchester United, I expect the Hammers to win at home.