UECL Semi-final 2022-23: AZ Alkmaar vs West Ham: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

The Hammers may have withstood the shock of Reijnders' wonder goal, but can they weather the storm of AFAS stadium in the second leg tie?

David Moyes and co were left stunned by Tijjani Reijnders of AZ Alkmaar. They scored the first goal in the first leg of the semi-final tie. The sensational shot from outside the box whipped past former PSG keeper, Alphonse Areola in a blink of an eye. However, West Ham did manage to pull off a second half comeback with a penalty from Saïd Benrahma and a tap in on rebound by Antonio.

The match ended with a sigh of relief for the Londoners as they managed to secure a 2-1 lead on aggregate. Although later on The Hammers were humbled by Thomas Frank's Brentford in the Premier League. But in the Eredivisie, Pascal Jansen's AZ Alkmaar ran rampant on goals against 16th place FC Emmen.

As the show must go on. West Ham are now all set to travel to AZ Alkmaar's AFAS stadium for the second-leg semi-final tie in the UEFA Europa Conference League:

Kick-Off:

Thursday, 18 May 2023 at 19:00 UTC

Friday, 19 May 2023 at 12:30 AM IST

Location: AFAS Stadion

Form

AZ Alkmaar (in all competitions): W-L-D-W-W

West Ham (in all competitions): L-W-W-L-L

Players to Watch

Tijjani Reijnders (AZ Alkmaar)

The Hammers have already seen Tijjani Reijnders play at their home ground and will now be wary of the craftsmanship he possesses. The number 6 registered a stunning first half goal in the away leg of the semi final tie in UECL. And will now be looking to help his team out in probably pulling off the biggest ever comeback in their clubs history. AZ Alkmaar could be on course to win a major European trophy for the very first time in their existence - if they manage to do so.

Saïd Benrahma (West Ham)

The Algerian did his fair share of bits in the first leg. Saïd Benrahma's penalty was crucial in bringing the first leg tie to square one - which they eventually won. After Danny Ings came on for the Hammers, he was quick in setting up Benrahma to have a second go at the former Brighton FC keeper - Mathew Ryan. Although the shot was stopped, it brought everyone inside the London Stadium to their toes.

Match Facts

• West Ham have never progressed to any major UEFA final since 1976
• If West Ham progresses to the finals and thereafter wins the UECL, they get a spot in the Europa League – although they stand at 15th in Premier League
• AZ Alkmaar have only progressed once for an European final. And that was back in 1980/81 UEFA Cup final which they lost to English side Ipswich Town

Injury & Team News

AZ Alkmaar's major miss will be their number 4, Bruno Martins Indi. One of the club captains, the 31-year-old will continue to be on sidelines with thigh issues.

West Ham will continue to be without Vladimir Coufal and Gianluca Scamacca. Although Michail Antonio could likely return in time for the second leg. He missed the 2-0 away loss against Brentford in PL.

Head to Head

Total Matches – 1

AZ Alkmaar wins – 0

West Ham wins – 1

Draws – 0

Predicted Lineup

AZ Alkmaar predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

Ryan (GK); De Wit, Hatzidiakos, Beukema, Sugawara; Reijnders, Clasie; Van Brederode, Sven Mijnans, Odgaard; Pavlidis

West Ham predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

Areola (GK); Kehrer, Zouma, Aguerd, Cresswell; Soucek, Rice; Bowen, Paqueta, Benrahma; Ings

Match Prediction for AZ Alkmaar vs West Ham

As West Ham United prepare for their trip to the AFAS stadium to take on AZ Alkmaar in the second leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League, there is a sense of optimism among the Londoners. The Hammers managed to secure a 2-1 lead on aggregate in the first leg, thanks to a second-half comeback after Tijjani Reijnders' wonder goal had left them stunned. David Moyes' side will be confident of finding the back of the net. And if they can keep AZ Alkmaar's attack at bay, they could well emerge with a clean sheet.

Prediction: AZ Alkmaar 0-2 West Ham

Telecast

India – Sony Sports Network. SonyLiv, JioTV

UK – BT Sport, BT Sports App

US – CBS, Univision, TUDN

Nigeria – No telecast