AZ Alkmaar vs H. Beer Sheva Prediction & Tips | Europa League - League phase | FootballTips.app

AZ welcome Hapoel Beer Sheva to the AFAS Stadion as both sides still search for their first Europa League win of the league phase. AZ opened with a 1-0 defeat away to Sunderland, while Hapoel held Dinamo Zagreb to a goalless draw.

The hosts’ European home record provides plenty of encouragement. AZ are unbeaten in their last 13 major European matches at home and have lost only two of their previous 32, making the AFAS Stadion one of their most reliable advantages despite the disappointment of matchday one.

Their latest domestic outing was less positive, with a 2-0 defeat away to Feyenoord ending their unbeaten Eredivisie start and costing them top spot. An early error from Wouter Goes proved costly, while AZ couldn't turn 57% possession and 13 attempts into a goal.

Hapoel arrive in contrasting form after a 2-0 away win over Ironi Tiberias, with substitutes João Victor and Amankwah Forson scoring both second-half goals. Ran Kozuch’s side have now gone four matches unbeaten in all competitions and have not conceded for 371 minutes.

That defensive improvement has also translated to Europe, where Hapoel have kept five clean sheets in their last eight major continental matches. Their historical record against Dutch opposition is far less encouraging, however, having lost all four previous meetings by an aggregate score of 20-1.

AZ should expect a patient contest against a side comfortable defending compactly and waiting for transition opportunities. Hapoel’s recent resilience makes them dangerous, but the Dutch side’s outstanding European home record and greater attacking depth still give them the edge.