AZ Alkmaar vs West Ham United: Second Leg Preview

West Ham United will travel to the AFAS Stadion on Thursday, May 18 to take on AZ Alkmaar in the second leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final tie. The Hammers hold a narrow 2-1 lead from the first leg, but they will know that they cannot afford to take anything for granted against a dangerous AZ side. Fans of the winning teams can book their Conference League final tickets securely online via our booking system.

Surprise package in Conference League

AZ Alkmaar have been one of the surprise packages of the Conference League this season. They have reached the semi-finals of the competition for the first time in their history, and they will be determined to make it to the final. The Dutch side have a strong squad, with players like Vangelis Pavlidis, Jesper Karlson, and Jens Odgaard all capable of causing problems for West Ham.

West Ham United

West Ham have had a mixed season in the Premier League, but they have been impressive in the Conference League. They have won all their home games in the competition, and they will be confident of getting a result in Alkmaar. The Hammers have a number of dangerous attacking players, including Michail Antonio, Jarrod Bowen, and Said Benrahma. The second leg of the semi-final is sure to be an exciting contest. Both teams have something to play for, and it should be a close-fought affair. West Ham will be the favorites, but AZ Alkmaar will not be afraid to attack, and they could cause the Hammers some problems.

Key factors for this match

Here are some key factors that could decide the outcome of the match:

• Home advantage: AZ Alkmaar will have the home advantage in the second leg, and they will be hoping to use this to their advantage. The Dutch side have a good record at home in the Conference League this season, and they will be looking to make it a hostile environment for West Ham.
• The form of the strikers: Both teams have some dangerous strikers, and the form of these players could be key to the outcome of the match. Michail Antonio has been in good form for West Ham with 6 goals in 7 Conference League matches, and he will be looking to add to his tally against AZ Alkmaar. 1 more goal will make him joined top scorer of the tournament. Vangelis Pavlidis has also been in good form for AZ Alkmaar, and he will be looking to cause problems for the West Ham defense.
• The midfield battle: The midfield battle could be crucial in the second leg. Both teams have some talented midfielders, and the side that wins the battle in the middle of the park could be the one that comes out on top. West Ham have Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek, two of the best midfielders in the Premier League, and they will be looking to dominate the midfield against AZ Alkmaar.

Overall, it is a close call to say who will win the second leg. West Ham have the advantage of a narrow lead from the first leg, but AZ Alkmaar have the home advantage and some dangerous players in their squad. It should be an exciting match, and it is sure to be a close-fought affair.