7th Aug. UEFA Conference League - AZ Alkmaar VS Vaduz Prediction
UEFA Conference League - AZ Alkmaar VS Vaduz
Match Time:08-08-2025 02:00 Friday (GMT+8)
Football Livescore | Match Prediction & Tips
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AZ Alkmaar
AZ Alkmaar, coached by Maarten Martens, enters the third qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League after a 5th-place finish in the 2024-25 Eredivisie. They advanced past Ilves Tampere (5-0) and drew 2-2 with OFI Crete in the second round, progressing 7-2 on aggregate, with Troy Parrott scoring a hat-trick against Ilves. Their recent form includes a 2-1 loss to Feyenoord in a friendly, averaging 2.7 goals scored and 0.7 goals conceded in three competitive matches. Key players include Parrott, Ernest Poku, and Wouter Goes, with a probable 4-2-3-1 lineup: Verhulst; Maikuma, Penetra, Dekker, Wolfe; Clasie, Mijnans; Poku, Bazoer, Van Bommel; Parrott. AZ’s strengths are their attacking flair and home dominance at AFAS Stadion (sold out, 19,478 capacity), but defensive lapses (late equalizer vs. OFI) are a concern. They aim for a strong first-leg lead, with a Conference League play-off spot against PFC Levski Sofia or Sabah FC at stake.
FC Vaduz
FC Vaduz, led by Martin Stocklasa, is competing in the Swiss Challenge League (second tier) and reached the third round after defeating Dungannon Swifts 3-2 on aggregate (2-2, 1-0) in the second round. Their domestic season began with a 1-0 loss to FC Thun, averaging 1.5 goals scored and 1.5 goals conceded in their two qualifiers. Key players include Nicolas Hasler (midfield creativity), Dominik Schwizer, and Javier Navarro, with a probable 4-3-3 lineup: Büchel; Berisha, Simani, Beeli, Stocker; Hasler, Wieser, Eicher; Schwizer, Navarro, Cavegn. Vaduz’s strengths are their gritty defending (23 interceptions in recent games) and counter-attacking threat, but their lower-tier status and limited European pedigree are challenges. They aim to keep the tie competitive for the second leg at Rheinpark Stadion.
Head-to-Head
AZ Alkmaar and Vaduz met in the 2022-23 Conference League group stage, with AZ winning both matches (2-1 away, 4-1 home). Matches averaged 4.0 goals, with 100% over 2.5 goals and 100% both teams scoring (BTTS). AZ’s dominance included a late comeback in Vaduz despite playing against 10 men for part of the game.
Predicted Score: AZ Alkmaar 3-1 FC Vaduz
This first-leg clash on August 7, 2025, at AFAS Stadion, Alkmaar, at 2:00 PM CEST (8:00 AM EDT), is a sell-out, broadcast on ESPN and streamed on UEFA.tv and Sofascore. AZ’s Parrott and Poku face Vaduz’s Hasler and Navarro, with AZ’s attacking quality tested by Vaduz’s defensive resilience. AZ are heavy favorites (-250 odds) over Vaduz (+600), with a draw at +350. Trends (AZ: 67% over 2.5 goals; Vaduz: 50%) and H2H suggest goals, with betting tips favoring over 2.5 goals (-150 odds). Cards may be issued in the 20°C afternoon if Vaduz’s physicality escalates, with referee Halil Umut Meler officiating. The winner faces PFC Levski Sofia or Sabah FC in the play-off round. AZ is likely to score through Parrott, with Navarro possibly netting for Vaduz. AZ’s home form and superior quality should secure a win, but Vaduz’s counter-attacks may keep the tie alive for the second leg.
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