Bottom-placed Malmo have little to hope for after losing their first four group games, and seeing that their domestic season ended some five weeks ago, they are likely to be a bit rusted. AZ Alkmaar, on the other hand, have got a great chance to ensure their place in the next stage and they are certainly going for a win here.

Four weeks without competitive action

Malmo FF started the season in Europe by eliminating HB Torshavn and Rangers from the Champions League, but they were stopped by Dinamo Zagreb in an attempt to reach the group stages of the competition. In spite of being placed in a pretty average Europa Leaague group, the Swedish side have been utterly disappointing in this competition, losing all four games, scoring 4 and conceding 13 goals in the process. After losing at home to both Austria Wien and Metalist Kharkiv, they have little to hope for from the clash with high-flying AZ Alkmaar, especially as their domestic season ended five weeks ago. Knowing that they cannot possibly go through even if they win the remaining two Europa League games, Malmo players probably endured several difficult weeks in trying to prepare for this match and there are no doubts that the effects on the long break will be evident when they face in-form Dutch side.

With no fresh injuries to report, coach Rikard Norling should have fully fit squad to choose from.

AZ Alkmaar continue to impress

Seeing that AZ Alkmaar entered the new season without key players Stijn Schaars, Hector Moreno, Kolbeinn Sigthorsson and Sergio Romero, they were not expected to enter the Dutch Eredivisie title race, despite signing very good players in Roy Beerens and Jozy Altidore. However, the aforementioned departures allowed some fresh talent to shine and AZ Alkmaar have been absolutely brilliant this season. The 11-1-1 record in Eredivisie saw them create a three-point cushion at the top and with a game in hand, the team from Alkmaar now look like the main candidates for the league title. On the other hand, they have done pretty well in Europe, having taken six points from first three games and now have a great chance to virtually ensure their place in the next stage. The team are brimming with confidence after going unbeaten in last 18 games and they simply have to be considered favourites in this clash.

Pontus Wernbloom is suspended, whereas Nicolas Moisander is likely to miss out through injury, but that shouldn’t be a problem.

Verdict

Malmo have lost every single game in the competition this season and after playing just one competitive game during last five weeks, the Swedes have little to hope for from this clash. AZ Alkmaar, on the other hand, are on top of their game at the moment and should be able to record a comfortable victory in Sweden.

Our prediction: AZ Alkmaar with -0.75 Asian handicap

Odds: 1.87 (87/100)

Bookmaker: 188BET