AZ Alkmaar vs West Ham prediction, odds, betting tips and best bets for Europa Conference League semi final

Kyle Bonn

AZ Alkmaar vs West Ham prediction, odds, betting tips and best bets for Europa Conference League semi final image

West Ham are largely out of the Premier League relegation battle, allowing David Moyes to focus his full attention on reaching a European final as the Hammers travel to the Netherlands to take on AZ Alkmaar.

The English club hold a 2-1 aggregate lead after winning at home in the first leg, finding victory in comeback fashion as they turned around a 1-0 halftime deficit.

However, a 2-0 defeat over the weekend to Brentford will sow doubts into supporters' minds. With most key starters rested, West Ham were pummeled, out-shot 24-4 by the Bees, underlining the fragility of the Hammers' squad.

AZ, meanwhile, have been excellent domestically of late, clobbering relegation-threatened Emmen 5-1 over the weekend.

MORE: How many trophies have West Ham won in their history?

AZ Alkmaar vs West Ham match facts

  • Date: Thursday, May 18
  • Kickoff Time: 3 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. BST / 5 a.m. AEST (Fri, May 19)
  • Location: AFAS Stadion (Alkmaar, Netherlands)
  • Official: Ivan Kruzliak (SVK)
  • First leg: West Ham 2-1 AZ Alkmaar (May 11, 2023)

AZ Alkmaar vs West Ham prediction, odds

  • Moneyline lean: Draw (+240)
  • Score prediction: AZ Alkmaar 2-2 West Ham

Let's get weird. With a Europa Conference League final spot on the line and both teams in relatively good attacking form overall, this match could provide fireworks.

AZ won't be shut out twice, especially not by this mediocre defensive West Ham side, and the Hammers will be forced to respond. This could be a really fun 90 minutes of European football.

  AZ
win
Draw West Ham
win
Both teams
to score Y / N
Over / Under
2.5 goals
AZ
advance
WHU
advance
BetMGM
(USA)
+155 +240 +160 -140 / +100 -120 / -120 +220 -300
Sports
Interaction

(Canada)
+154 +236 +165 -156 / +100 -114 / -111 +222 -337
SkyBet
(UK)
6/4 5/2 17/10 4/6, 11/10 5/6, 5/6 12/5 3/10
Neds
(Australia)
2.50 3.20 2.63 1.67 / 2.10 1.87 / 1.87 3.40 1.30
Dafabet
(India)
2.55 3.35 2.64 1.69 / 2.08 1.87 / 1.87 3.15 1.32

    AZ Alkmaar vs West Ham: best bet

    • Pick: Both teams to score — YES
    • Odds: -140 (BetMGM)

    Goals are expected in this match, and these two teams should oblige. West Ham were actually quite good defensively against AZ in the first leg at home, but they still conceded a first-half goal. That's not surprising, as AZ have only been shut out twice in their 11 European matches this season, both on the road.

    At home, the Dutch side should manage to breach the Hammers' defensive setup, so the question now is will West Ham be able to find a third, or will they sit back on their lead and look to defend it throughout? An AZ goal should get them going, and after logging 2.97 xG in the first leg, they should be able to cobble together at least one of their own.

    AZ Alkmaar vs West Ham prop bet

    • Pick: Said Benrahma to score or assist a goal
    • Odds: +130 (FanDuel)

    While Michail Antonio and Declan Rice are the most lauded players in the West Ham squad, Algeria international Said Benrahma is quietly having an excellent season in a creative role. While six goals and three assists in Premier League play don't jump off the page, West Ham go as he goes.

    Benrahma was excellent in the first leg against AZ, scoring from the spot, ripping off five shots from open play, winning eight of 12 ground duels, and collecting 0.57 xA as well. With Jarrod Bowen quieting through the second half of the season, Benrahma has stepped up to run the West Ham attack.

    AZ Alkmaar vs West Ham live stream, TV channel

    MORE: Watch Premier League matches live with Fubo in USA

      TV channel Streaming
    USA Paramount+
    Canada DAZN
    UK BT Sport 1 BT Sport
    Australia Stan Sport
    New Zealand
    India
    Hong Kong beIN Sports Connect
    Malaysia beIN Sports beIN Sports Connect, sooka
    Singapore beIN Sports beIN Sports Connect

    Kyle Bonn

    Kyle Bonn Photo

    Kyle Bonn, is a Syracuse University broadcast journalism graduate with over a decade of experience covering soccer globally. Kyle specializes in soccer tactics and betting, with a degree in data analytics. Kyle also does TV broadcasts for Wake Forest soccer, and has had previous stops with NBC Soccer and IMG College. When not covering the game, he has long enjoyed loyalty to the New York Giants, Yankees, and Fulham. Kyle enjoys playing racquetball and video games when not watching or covering sports.