Ludogorets vs AZ Alkmaar Prediction: 12/12/2024

Ludogorets is currently struggling in the Europa League, sitting 33rd in the rankings, just three points behind the 24th spot, which would grant them a place in the play-offs. While their chances of advancing remain, improvements in their performances are necessary.

The Bulgarian team has experienced difficulties, losing to Slavia Prague, Anderlecht, and Bilbao. However, they managed to secure draws against Plzen and Lazio. In their domestic league, Ludogorets continues to dominate, leading the standings by seven points and remaining unbeaten with 15 wins and two draws. They recently hosted Botev Plovdiv.

Meanwhile, AZ Alkmaar is ranked 19th in the Europa League, just two points ahead of the 25th place, which would eliminate them from play-off contention, and three points behind the 8th place, which qualifies for the knockout rounds. The Dutch team has shown inconsistency, with wins against Elfsborg and Fenerbahce but losses to Bilbao and Tottenham. They were also held to a 1-1 draw by Galatasaray. In the Eredivisie, Alkmaar is no longer in the title race, and after a difficult period with one draw and five defeats, they have bounced back with two wins against Sparta Rotterdam and Heracles.

Ludogorets is missing key players, including captain Nedyalkov, long-term absentee Tekpetey, and suspended striker Caio Vidal. However, they welcome back Rick, who has contributed 3 goals and 4 assists in the league, and top scorers Rwan Seco and Erick Marcus.

Playmaker Chochev, with 4 goals and 3 assists, could also make a significant impact. For Alkmaar, they are without goalkeeper Owusu-Oduro, forward Sadiq (who has 4 goals and 3 assists), and several other injured players. Youngster Smit is also suspended. However, Irish international Parrott, with 7 goals in the Eredivisie, will play a crucial role, supported by winger Van Bommel and midfielders Mijnans and Meerdink.

Prediction

Both teams have struggled with scoring recently in the Europa League, with clean sheets being common for one side in 14 of their last 19 away matches. Ludogorets has also faced similar issues at home, with only two of their last nine matches seeing both teams score. Given these trends, a similar outcome is expected in this match.

Prediction: Ludogorets 3 : 0 AZ Alkmaar