Preview: AZ Alkmaar vs. Aston Villa - prediction, team news, lineups

With the points and goal difference level between all four teams in Group E of the Europa Conference League, there is everything still to play for.

AZ Alkmaar does sit above their opponents due to scoring more goals, but Aston Villa head into Thursday night on the back of a four-game run without a loss.

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Match preview

AZ Alkmaar kick-started their Europa Conference League campaign with a frantic seven-goal thriller against Zrinjski in what was a game to forget as they let a three-goal lead slip.

However, the Eredivisie team responded well against Legia Warszawa by showcasing a much stronger defensive performance, as they kept a clean sheet and took three points.

Despite Mayckel Lahdo being sent off, AZ Alkmaar were able to hold onto their lead which came courtesy of a Vangelis Pavlidis goal.

The Greek forward has been a real threat throughout the season in all competitions, and that was clear at the weekend when he scored a hat-trick as AZ Alkmaar secured a 3-0 win in the league.

That result should bring plenty of confidence into the team as AZ Alkmaar look to put some distance between themselves and their Premier League opponents.

However, the visitors do come into this game in fantastic form which is something that they continued following the recent international break by defeating West Ham United 4-1 at the weekend.

Unai Emery's men showcased attacking flair with goals from Leon Bailey, Ollie Watkins and a brace by Douglas Luiz, proving that they have attacking quality in all areas.

That victory extended their current unbeaten run to four games in all competitions, and that is something that they will be aiming to keep going as they try to move up the group table in Europe.

Aston Villa had a very similar first two matches to their opponents AZ Alkmaar, suffering a 3-2 defeat in the opening game before tightening things up at the back to win their second match 1-0.

With Emiliano Martinez bringing plenty of quality in goal, the World Cup winner will be aiming for another clean sheet to give his teammates the best possible chance of securing consecutive wins in the competition.

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Team News

AZ Alkmaar will be without Lahdo in this fixture after he was sent off during his previous Europa Conference League match, which could provide an opening for Tiago Dantas to start.

One player who is sure to be on the pitch from the first whistle is Pavlidis, who should lead the line alone after scoring 13 goals in nine Eredivisie matches so far.

The hosts are going to be missing Mees de Wit, who has a foot problem, and Sem Westerveld, who is dealing with a knee issue at the moment.

As for Aston Villa, Tyrone Mings and Emiliano Buendia remain long-term absentees, with both men not expected to feature until the very end of the season, if at all.

They are not the only injury problems the Villans are dealing with, though, as Jacob Ramsey and Alex Moreno are also out of action at the moment.

AZ Alkmaar possible starting lineup:

Ryan; Sugawara, Bazoer, Penetra, Wolfe; Clasie, Mijnans, De Wit; Dantas, Pavlidis, Van Brederode

Aston Villa possible starting lineup:

Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne; Cash, Kamara, Luiz, McGinn; Diaby, Watkins

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We say: AZ Alkmaar 1-2 Aston Villa

Two teams in good form who have had no problems scoring goals this season should provide an entertaining Europa Conference League clash in midweek.

It is likely that there will be little to split the teams, but Aston Villa may just have enough quality to edge this one.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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