Match Overview

Europa League group stage competition at Estadio San Mamés will see Athletic Bilbao and AZ Alkmaar go head-to-head on October 4, 2024, at 12:00 AM. The Athletic Bilbao recently encountered AS Roma and secured a valiant draw. Having suffered a domestic defeat to Utrecht, the visiting AZ Alkmaar are desperate to bounce back. The Athletic Bilbao are eager to win at home despite having several of their key players sidelined. Athletico Bilbao will be incredibly tough for the visitors from the Netherlands, traditionally a strong side in the European cups. They must find their niche to escape another defeat.

SWOT Analysis – Athletic Bilbao

Strengths: Athletic Bilbao tends to play better at their stadium, San Mamés. In addition, it seems that this team has an advantage in terms of skill and that they have the right to consider themselves the favourite today. First of all, it is worth noting the amazing speed and dynamism of the Williams brothers, Inaki, and Nico, who are practically hopeless in the attack. Besides, the experience in European competition suggests that the Athletic Bilbao have the tactical knowledge they will need in this playoff match.

Weaknesses: Injuries to key players such as Unai Simon, Ander Herrera, and Yuri Berchiche may weaken the defence and the midfield structure. Moreover, the recent form of Bilbao has been somewhat inconsistent, with notable difficulty in converting chances to goals. This might leave them weak in tight matches as they are unable to beat within the stipulated time.

Opportunities: The occurrence of AZ’s recent loss and their inconsistency will provide the opportunity for Bilbao to capitalize on the defence. Moreover, the return of the fit attackers also provides Bilbao with the opportunity to dominate in attacking transitions.

Threats: AZ’s counter-attacking speed is a significant threat, which is worsened by Bilbao’s defensive injuries. Overconfidence also poses a threat to the Basque side if it underrates AZ.

SWOT Analysis – AZ Alkmaar

Strengths: They have a lot of experience in European cups. For such an important match as this one, the experience could be critical. Their midfield has high creativity, so playersmithlke Dani de Wit can be important when it comes to culinary opportunities. In addition,brno Martins Indi will return after a disqualification and benefits the defence, especially in matches with many aerial challenges.

Weaknesses: After AZ had a negative spell in their form, the had to learn how to be more consistent in their performance. During this weekend they lost from Utrecht with 1:2. They have to continue playing with many changes as the most places are taken by the injure players. In fact their central defenders,Goes and Westerveld will most probablmissthe visit in Bilbao. Moreover,Z upset in these away matches and itis much more difficult for them to keep a clean sheet.

Opportunities: Bilbao will miss a lot as Zinedine Zidane used to say while referring to free kicks after the yellow card of Unai Nunez. They will lose a lot of goals in fast attacks, as was proved in the last matches.

Threats: AZ Alkmaar will face a tough challenge tonight as they will be playing against Athletic Bilbao at their San Mames stadium. Native ground condition is better than the form factor and it will likely have a considerable influence against the probability of coming out a winner for any team. They also have the Williams brothers in the arrangements that will test the defense of the guests even more.

Prediction

Athletic Bilbao will probably win by 2-1 versus AZ Alkmaar. The primary reason for my suggestion is the home strength of the Spanish team at San Mamés. Even though the national players of country could not join their team, the return of the Williams brothers will be an opportunity for the head coach to create a high number of attacking phases. The apparent inconsistency of the Netherlands and the poor defence in recent games will end with the resilience of Bilbao.