2019-20 Europa League: Group Stage – AZ Alkmaar vs Manchester United

Manchester United are back in Europa League action as they visit AZ Alkmaar at the AFAS Stadion. 

United currently top Group L after scraping past Astana last time out, whilst AZ Alkmaar drew away at Partizan Belgrade. 

 

Team news

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AZ Alkmaar are without Jonas Svensson after the defender was red carded in their 2-2 draw with Partizan a fortnight ago. 

Dani de Wit is their other absentee as he recovers from a broken nose. 

Manchester United have Diogo Dalot and Angel Gomes available after making recoveries from recent injuries. 

Luke Shaw is still absent with a hamstring injury whilst Aaron Wan-Bissaka hasn’t travelled due to tonsillitis. 

Anthony Martial (thigh), Paul Pogba (foot) and Phil jones (undisclosed) remain sidelined alongside Eric Bailly and Timothy Fosu-Mensah who both have long-term knee injuries.

 

Stat Attack

• This is Manchester United’s first meeting with AZ Alkmaar in all competitions. 
• Man Utd have won just one of their last three away trips to Dutch opposition (W1, L2), excluding the 2017 Europa League Final victory over Ajax which was held at a neutral venue. 
• In three previous away Group Stage matches which came in the 2016-17 Europa League campaign, United lost two of their three away trips with their only win coming at Zorya Luhansk. 

 

Prediction

I can see a tough game here because United’s away form has been terrible this season and with an injury crisis, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s options are limited despite taking several Academy graduates with him. 

Alkmaar therefore look well placed to go for the win here because they are dangerous when get inside the box which will trouble United’s defence throughout the match, whilst their defence does look strong enough to handle the likes of Marcus Rashford and Daniel James. 

A draw therefore would be a reasonable result for the Red Devils but I am going for a shock home win here, simply because United lack the desire needed to win these sort of physical games. 

Prediction: AZ Alkmaar 2-1 Manchester United

Result: AZ Alkmaar 0-0 Manchester United