AZ Alkmaar vs Tottenham LIVE
Spurs head to Holland this afternoon for their biggest game of the season to date as the Europa League knockout stages begin. After exiting both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup last month, and with Spurs languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League, this is Ange Postecoglou only chance to win silverware this season.
Spurs have already beaten their Dutch opponents this season - a narrow 1-0 win in north London during the League Phase thanks to a Richarlison penalty - but much has changed since with a string of injuries affecting Postecoglou's squad. AZ put five past Galatasaray in the play-off round, so are brimming with confidence.
Postecoglou will hope to have a number of players returning for injury, including first-choice centre-back pair Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, who were able to train with the first-team squad this week. Follow the game LIVE below with our dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Dan Kilpatrick at AFAS Stadion.
AZ vs Tottenham latest updates
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Kick-off time: 5.45pm, AFAF Stadion
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How to watch: TNT Sports
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Early AZ team news
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Early Tottenham team news
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Score prediction
Early Tottenham team news
15:43 , Alex Young
Tottenham hope to give Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Dominic Solanke some minutes tonight in a huge triple injury boost.
Romero has not played since early December but has now been back in full training for over a week and could come into the side at centre-back, alongside Kevin Danso.
Van de Ven is also fit again after a lengthy hamstring injury, while Solanke could be ready to return up front after seven weeks out with a knee injury, but Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou could take a more cautious approach with the pair.
Postecoglou must pick two of Pedro Porro, Djed Spence and Destiny Udogie at full-back, while Pape Matar Sarr, Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma are all competing for two spots in midfield.
Bentancur and Bergvall have started the last four games together and may keep their places, so captain Heung-min Son may have to deputise up front.
Wilson Odobert and Brennan Johnson are pushing for further starts after being named in the starting XI against Manchester City last time out.
Kulusevski is set to be sidelined until after the international break with a foot injury, while Richarlison (calf) and Ben Davies (unspecified) have also been left at home.
Early AZ team news
15:36 , Alex Young
AZ will look to former Spurs striker Troy Parrott for goals, especially with attacking quartet Mexx Meerdink, Ruben van Bommel, Jayden Addai and Sven Mijnans all expected to miss out.
Jordy Clasie and Peer Koopmeiners will have a battle on their hands in midfield, especially against a Spurs side who were afforded the weekend off with the Premier League schedule on pause for the FA Cup.
How to watch AZ Alkmaar vs Tottenham
15:28 , Alex Young
TV channel: In the UK, tonight’s game will be televised live on TNT Sports 3. Coverage starts at 5pm GMT ahead of a 5.45pm kick-off.
Live stream: TNT Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Discovery+ app and website.
Welcome
15:24 , Alex Young
Good afternoon and welcome to the Standard’s LIVE coverage of the Europa League last-16 first-leg clash between AZ Alkmaar and Tottenham.
Kick-off is at 5.45pm BST. Stick with us.
