Preview: HNK Rijeka vs. AZ - prediction, team news, lineups

HNK Rijeka will host AZ on Thursday, with the Croatian side still winless in their 2020-21 Europa League campaign, picking up a 2-2 draw against Real Sociedad last week.

Meanwhile, AZ will be keen to secure a win against their opponents, with the Dutch outfit still in contention to reach the knockout stages of the competition.

Match preview

Rijeka have endured a poor run in the Europa League this season, suffering four defeats as they head into matchday six, including a 4-1 loss against AZ during their second group game.

Despite recording a promising 2-2 draw against high-flying Real Sociedad last time round, Simon Rozman's men have failed to qualify for the round of 32, currently sitting on one point in Group F.

During the game, Rijeka had just 24% possession - the lowest figure for a team to avoid defeat in a game during the 2020-21 Europa League campaign.

It is worth noting that Rijeka's home form in the competition has been particularly worrying in recent times, having lost four of their last five home Europa League matches.

AZ, on the other hand, will have a lot to play for when they travel to Croatia on Thursday, with a win against Rijeka enough to secure their place in the knockout stages.

Arne Slot's men currently occupy third spot in their group, yet they have the same points as Sociedad in second place, with the Spanish side set to face Napoli in the final group match.

The visitors could also make the round of 32 if they draw against Rijeka, as long as Napoli win against Sociedad in midweek.

In their latest European fixture, AZ picked up a 1-1 draw against the Serie A outfit, featuring a goal from Bruno Martins Indi in the second half.

Rijeka's 4-1 defeat against AZ back in October was the first ever meeting between the two sides, with Albert Gudmundsson managing to score a brace.

HNK Rijeka Europa League form: DLLLL HNK Rijeka form (all competitions): WDDLWL

AZ Europa League form: DDLWW AZ form (all competitions): LDWDWW

Team News

Rijeka are still without Milan Ristovski, with the youngster expected to return to action next year as he continues to recover from a broken foot.

With Rozman's team already eliminated from the competition, the Slovenian manager could rest a few players for their upcoming league game against Dinamo Zagreb.

For AZ, the visitors have a few injury concerns ahead of Thursday's clash, with both Jonas Svensson and Jeremy Helmer on the sidelines for the upcoming game.

Jordy Clasie and Ron Vlaar are also expected to miss the match, with the former currently undergoing his isolation period, after contracting COVID-19.

HNK Rijeka possible starting lineup: Nevistic; Tomecak, Escoval, Velkoski, Smolcic, Braut; Muric, Cerin, Loncar, Stefulj; Andrijasevic

AZ possible starting lineup: Bizot; Sugawara, Hatzidiakos, Martins Indi, Wijndal; Stengs, Midtsjo, Koopmeiners, Aboukhlal; De Wit, Boadu

We say: HNK Rijeka 0-2 AZ

AZ are expected to secure a comfortable victory on Thursday night, knowing that a win will confirm their place in the knockout stages. However, Rijeka have struggled in the Europa League this term, and will find it difficult coming up against a determined AZ side.

Top betting tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting an away win in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.