Champions League - Group H: AZ Alkmaar vs OlympiakosThis is a last chance for AZ to return in the race for the top two places, although they could miss out on the place in the knockout stages even if they win both remaining games. The win in this match would see Olympiakos qualify for the next round since we cannot expect Standard to win at the Emirates.
Champions League proving to be a burden for AZ
The team are now even stronger than last season when they were thoroughly impressive in Dutch Eredivisie and it is evident the reason behind the under-par performances is the busy schedule. Ronald Koeman’s side cannot seem to rediscover the form that served them so well last term and they are on the brink of elimination from Europe. Two points from four Champions League games is by no means a good result, although a win over Olympiakos could be just a boost they need to kick-start this season. AZ Alkmaar have bug problems in the scoring department, especially since their top scorer Mounir El Hamdaoui picked up an injury and seeing they scored just three goals in four group games, you should seriously consider backing AZ to score under 1.5 goals at 1.60 offered by Sportingbet.
The players enter this match in good spirits after beating Roda 4:2 last weekend despite trailing a goal going into the final quarter of the game. Boss Ronald Koeman is without Kew Jaliens, who suffered a mild concussion against Roda, while Erik Heijblok, Mounir El Hamdaoui and Rasmus Elm are also unavailable. The hosts enter this match with a clear desire to win but they face an uphill task against defence-oriented Olympiakos.
Zico trying to cope with numerous injuries
Olympiakos have had a very good start to the Champions League campaign and if it hadn’t been for the away defeat to Standard, they would have already been qualified. The Greeks are, nonetheless, still in the driving seat as they are two points clear of Standard and the win in Holland would ensure them the place in the next round. Even if the Greeks fail to win this match, they will have another chance against indifferent Arsenal in the last round and we cannot see how they will miss out on the knockout stages. This is why you should back Olympiakos to go through at odds of 1.50 offered by Paddy Power.
Coach Zico had no less than nine players unavailable for the last league clash against Giannina, including attacking players Derbyshire, Diogo and Galletti but he expects a couple of players to recover in time to face AZ. As we have already said, the visitors are set to adopt a defensive approach since they would be happy with one point from this match and let us remind you Olympiakos scored just three goals in four group games so far. With their top strikers out with injury, we see a good value in backing Olympiakos to score under 1.5 goals at odds of 1.35 offered by Sportingbet.
Betting verdict
Both AZ and Olympiakos will be looking to win the game but are still unlikely to risk too much. One point would be more than enough for the visitors and we don’t think AZ have what it takes to win this game. Hence, we see draw as the most likely result.
Looking for livestream! Here it is! Our tip: Bet 3 on Draw
Odds +240 at
Bookmaker: BetCRIS
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1/8 F
UEFA
