- Ararat-Armenia have two wins, a tie and two defeats in their last five matches.
- AZ Alkmaar have won two, tied one and lost two in their last five.
A balanced and dangerous game awaits
Ararat-Armenia are currently 33rd in the UEFA Europa League 2026/2027 standings (P2, W0, D0, L2) and AZ Alkmaar are 20th (P2, W1, D0, L1) ahead of their clash at the Republican Stadium - Vazgen Sargsyan on Thursday. Both sides will want to climb the table as much as they can, but that won't be easy as they each bring some mixed form into this game. This FC Ararat-Armenia vs AZ Alkmaar preview suggests a closely fought contest.
Ararat-Armenia's two results so far, a 3-1 away defeat against Jagiellonia Białystok in the UEFA Europa League 2026/2027 and a 1-0 away win over BKMA Yerevan in the Premier League 2026/2027, perfectly encapsulate how the hosts have been playing of late. They have been able to show some grit and quality.
Expect goals at both ends
AZ have had a similarly mixed run in their previous five matches, suffering a 2-0 defeat to Feyenoord away from home in the Eredivisie 2026/2027, then claiming a 2-1 victory over Hapoel Beer-Sheva in the UEFA Europa League 2026/2027 before a 2-2 tie away at Cambuur in the Eredivisie. Leeroy Echteld has instilled a possession-based, pressing style into his side and they will try to dictate the rhythm of the game by using the ball in this match.
Tulipa has taken the opposite approach with his Ararat-Armenia side, who are compact, sturdy and have a counter-attack mindset. This tactical matchup makes a fast-paced game with goals at both ends the most likely outcome of this matchup. Backing over 2.5 goals in this game is our main bet, at 1.55, and our FC Ararat-Armenia vs AZ Alkmaar betting tips reflect that.
A home upset is a real possibility
Both teams to score is a tempting option at 1.62, but there is enough evidence to suggest that a home win could be on the cards here. AZ will feel confident enough to put some pressure on Ararat-Armenia, but the hosts could pounce and claim a home victory in this group. Our FC Ararat-Armenia vs AZ Alkmaar prediction is that both teams can find the net, while another FC Ararat-Armenia vs AZ Alkmaar prediction leans toward a surprise result.
We'll take a chance on that with a wager on the upset at 6.0.
Who will be the danger players?
Bruno Wilson is Ararat-Armenia's goal threat in Europe so far, having scored one goal in one appearance in the UEFA Europa League 2026/2027. Sandro Lima has been the creative force, however, with one assist in one match. He is the man Ararat-Armenia will look to exploit AZ on the break.
AZ have an in-form forward in Mexx Meerdink, who has three goals in his last five appearances, as they have scored six times in that period.
