Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar: Preview, predictions and lineups | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur are aiming to overcome a one-goal deficit and reach the quarter-finals of the Europa League on Thursday night when they host AZ Alkmaar.

The first leg of their last 16 tie was won 1-0 by the Dutch outfit as Lucas Bergvall's own goal proved costly for Spurs, leaving them with an uphill battle to progress to the last eight. They must win by two clear goals to progress in regulation or extra time, with a penalty shootout deciding the encounter if the sides cannot be separated.

Recent form suggests the Lilywhites could make hard work of Thursday's affair as they desperately seek to end their 17-year trophy drought, with no victories in their last three. They were somewhat fortunate to avoid defeat at the weekend, coming from behind to secure a hard-fought 2-2 draw with Bournemouth in the Premier League.

AZ were afforded the weekend off and will be refreshed for their visit to north London, even if they were beaten 1-0 at Spurs during the league phase. They will secure an impressive scalp and make it beyond the last 16 if they're able to avoid defeat.

Here is 90min's guide to a crunch clash for Spurs.

What time does Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar kick-off?

Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar head-to-head record (all games)

Current form (all competitions)

How to watch Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar on TV - UK & US

Tottenham team news

Kevin Danso sustained an injury against Bournemouth / Catherine Ivill - AMA/GettyImages

Tottenham will be without Kevin Danso for Thursday's clash after the winter signing suffered a hamstring injury against Bournemouth. However, in better news, Ben Davies is back in contention having returned to training.

Ange Postecoglou must cope without Rodrigo Bentancur on Thursday due to suspension after he picked up a third yellow card of the Europa League campaign in Alkmaar. Richarlison and Dejan Kulusevski are also missing as they recover from injury.

Radu Dragusin is out for the remainder of the season, while Fraser Forster, Antonin Kinsky, Timo Werner and Sergio Reguilon are all ineligible to feature having not been selected in the Europa League squad.

Tottenham predicted lineup vs AZ Alkmaar

Tottenham predicted lineup vs AZ Alkmaar (4-2-3-1): Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bergvall, Sarr; Johnson, Maddison, Son; Solanke.

AZ Alkmaar team news

Troy Parrott has faced his former side twice this term / BSR Agency/GettyImages

AZ suffered two fresh injury setbacks during the first leg as both Mayckel Lahdo and his replacement Denso Kasius were withdrawn during the victory due to fitness issues. Neither are expected to return on Thursday.

The duo have joined Sven Mijnans, Sem Westerveld, Ruben van Bommel, Mexx Meerdink and Jayden Addai in the treatment room.

Troy Parrott joined AZ from Spurs over the summer and will lead the line against his former side for the third time this season.

AZ Alkmaar predicted lineup vs Tottenham (4-3-3): Owusu-Oduro; Maikuma, Goes, Penetra, Wolfe; Clasie, Buurmeester, Koopmeiners; Poku, Parrott, Sadiq.

Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar score prediction

It's almost impossible to predict which Tottenham we will witness on Thursday but they must improve for the biggest game of their season thus far. Postecoglou can ill-afford his side to replicate the limp performances of recent weeks.

Tottenham's attacking quality is what offers them hope, as well as the recent returns of key defenders. They need to rediscover their mojo in the final third after some uncharacteristically lifeless outings.

AZ will cause Spurs issues but the Lilywhites may just have enough in the tank to squeeze into the last eight.