Ludogorets vs AZ Alkmaar Prediction & Betting Tips (12 December)

Having struggled since the start of this Europa League, Ludogorets today occupies 33rd place in the ranking and concedes 3 units of expenditure on 24th place. Qualification for the play-offs is therefore not yet out of reach but we will have to raise the cursor. Beaten by Slavia Prague 0-2, Anderlecht 2-0 and Bilbao 1-2, the Razgrad-based team otherwise held their own, away from home, to Plzen 0-0 and, more surprisingly, to Lazio during the last day 0-0. Ultra-dominators on the national scene, the Bulgarians have won their last 13 championships. In a good position to continue their reign this season, they are at the top of the ranking with 7 points ahead of their runner-up. Still undefeated with 15 wins and 2 draws, Ludogorets hosted Botev Plovdiv last weekend.

19th in this Europa League, Alkmaar is now 2 points ahead of 25th place, not qualifying for the play-offs, and 3 behind the 8th, last qualified for the 8th finals. Irregular, Troy Parrott's teammates took advantage of the support of their audience to dominate Elfsborg 3-2 and Fenerbahce 3-1 but otherwise suffered the law of Bilbao 2-0 and Tottenham 1-0. On the last day, they were held to a draw at home by Galatasaray 1-1. In the championship, AZ fell out of the title race but also off the podium. After a string of 6 matches without success, 1 draw and 5 defeats, Alkmaar reacted by dominating Sparta Rotterdam 1-2 and Heracles 1-0 before hosting Ajax last weekend.

The Ludogorets coach deplores the failures of captain Nedyalkov and long-term absentee Tekpetey. Furthermore, striker Caio Vidal is still suspended. On the other hand, striker Rick (3 goals and 4 assists in the league) is back from suspension. Combined in the last Europa League match, Brazilians Rwan Seco and Erick Marcus are Ludogorets' top scorers in the league with 7 and 5 goals respectively. They could still be supported by playmaker Chochev (4 goals and 3 assists in the league). Alkmaar is without promising goalkeeper Owusu-Oduro and starting striker Sadiq (4 goals and 3 assists in the Eredivisie) as well as substitutes Westerweld (goalkeeper) and Schouten (midfielder), injured.

Added to this is the suspension of young Smit. Irish international Parrott (7 goals in the Eredivisie) plays a major role for AZ. He should start again this Thursday, supported by winger Van Bommel (2 goals in C3). Midfielders Mijnans (3 goals and 2 assists in Eredivisie) and Meerdink (4 goals in Eredivisie) are also available.