DUNDEE UNITED sprang a major 5/1 shock last week when they defeated AZ Alkmaar in the Europa Conference League, but now the real hard work starts when they travel to the Netherlands for the return leg.
Jack Ross' side stunned the Dutch after absorbing plenty of pressure before a sublime finish from Glenn Middleton saw them take an advantage across the North Sea.
Tannadice enjoyed one of its best nights in years in a throwback to United's European adventures of the 1980s, but they should be under no illusions how tough it will be on Dutch soil.
United produced a woefully flat display at the weekend when Livingston went to Tayside and won 1-0 and anything approaching that performance could see them take a pasting.
AZ were cruising to a 2-0 win over Go-Ahead Eagles in their opening Eredivisie game of the season and crucially, perhaps, they have previous of playing a poor first leg before rectifying matters in the second leg after they could only beat Tuzla City 1-0 at home bfeore dismantling the Bosnians 4-0 away.
The hosts still have a few injury worries though with United travelling with a full squad.
How the bookies view it
AZ are massive favourites here at 1/4 with Coral, with the Scots 12/1 with bet365. The draw is 9/2 with Paddy Power.
The Dutch side are 7/18 to qualify with SBK and United are 2/1 to go through with bet365.
Recent head to heads
The clubs have never met before apart from last week's Tannadice encounter. Here's a reminder of how United stunned AZ.
Players to watch
Steven Fletcher has yet to score his first goal for United and although he's not a prolific scorer, he's a hard-working threat. He is 9/2 with Paddy Power to score anytime.
Greek hitman Evangelos Pavlidis is AZ's main threat and he has scored twice in four games for his club already this season. He is 10/1 with the same firm to net on Thursday.
Anything else catch the eye?
It's a big, big ask for United against an AZ side who were wasteful in Tayside. They dominated possession for long spells and it could be a long night for the Scots.
They will be at it from the off and BoyleSports' 20/23 for a home win half time and full time looks too good a price to ignore.
The lack of the away goal rule could be a killer for United and you got the impression AZ were finding their range last week. Sadly for Ross' side, they could be on the wrong end of a spanking here, especially if they repeat their performance against Livingston. Paddy Power's 9/4 for AZ -2 on the handicaps could be value.
This UEFA Europa League Conference match between AZ Alkmaar and Dundee United will be played on Aug 11, 2022 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best AZ Alkmaar vs Dundee United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
