6/1 West Ham vs AZ Alkmaar Bet Builder Tip & Prediction

All but extending their Premier League status last weekend, West Ham will now turn their attention back to Europa Conference League duties when they open their semi-final adventure against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday night. Claiming what should turn out to be a season-saving 1-0 win against Manchester United, David Moyes’ men now have all of their eggs placed in the European basket. Tipped as one of the leading contenders to get their hands on a first piece of silverware since 1980, the Hammers will know how important it is to claim a crucial first-leg advantage at the London Stadium. However, while Alkmaar might have only just edged their way past Anderlecht last month, the Dutch outfit travel to east London enjoying what has been an eye-catching flurry. Unbeaten in their last four domestic appearances and snatching a 0-0 stalemate away at Ajax last weekend, Pascal Jansen’s side could be smelling the chance to spring a real upset. Ahead of what looks set to be a nervy Conference League showdown on Thursday night, we have created your ultimate West Ham vs AZ Alkmaar bet builder.

West Ham vs AZ Alkmaar Bet Builder Tip

Declan Rice to complete over 2.5 tackles @ 5/4
Jarrod Bowen to have over 0.5 shots on target @ 7/10
Jens Odgaard to commit 2 or more fouls @ 19/20

ODDS – 6/1 with Coral.

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More midfield dominance from Rice

While West Ham might have shown some extended Premier League inconstancies this season, Declan Rice has only continued to shine on either side of the World Cup’s winter break. Now rightfully regarded to be among Europe’s most sort-after midfield stars, the Hammers’ skipper appears set for a blockbuster move away from the London Stadium this summer. However, desperate to leave east London by handing Moyes’ side a first piece of silverware since in 43 years, Rice has really gained a reputation for his ability to break up play in the middle of the park. In fact, winning back possession for West Ham on 322 occasions across all competitions this season – no player among Europe’s elite domestic leagues has won possession back more times than the England international. Likewise, completing 78 Premier League tackles this season and sitting sixth in the overall charts, the one-time Chelsea schoolboy has also completed seven tackles in his last three Conference League appearances. Averaging 2.4 completed tackles per game this season, Rice certainly has another key role to play in West Ham’s midfield battle on Thursday night. Bet Builder Market: Declan Rice to complete over 2.5 tackles @ 5/4 with HeySpin’s welcome bonus.

Bowen to spearhead Moyes’ charge

Although attacking talisman Michail Antonio might have now notched five goals in his last six appearances across all competitions, a key part of West Ham’s recent resurge has been thanks to Jarrod Bowen’s turn in form. While the 26-year-old might have recorded just a single strike since back on January 21st, the England international has played a crucial role in the Hammers’ European success this season. Including a brace as West Ham breezed their way to a 4-0 romp against AEK Larnaca prior to March’s international break, Bowen has notched five goals in his nine Conference League appearances this season. On a similar note, recording eight European shots on target in his nine appearances – no player in Moyes’ squad has registered a higher return during this year’s tournament. Likewise, the former Hull City starlet has also recorded at least a single shot on target in six of his previous seven showdowns across all formats. Although Alkmaar might have continued to shine with their recent defensive resolve, Bowen will certainly prove to be a real handful for Thursday’s guests. Bet Builder Market: Jarrod Bowen to have over 0.5 shots on target @ 7/10 with BetUK’s free bet offer.

Another gritty night for Odgaard

Along with gaining plenty of plaudits over the past few weeks for their new-found defensive resolve, Alkmaar have certainly gained a reputation for their gritty approach while on both domestic and European duties. With the Dutch outfit picking up 49 Eredivisie bookings this season, only the duo of Fortuna Sittard and RKC Waalwijk have been shown a yellow card on more occasions. With Jansen’s side averaging 12.5 fouls per game in their 10 Conference League appearances this year, Jens Odgaard has undoubtedly been one of the main factors behind Alkmaar’s disciplinary issues. The 24-year-old has committed 16 fouls in his 10 Conference League appearances this season – a tally that sees him sitting eighth in the overall charts. Likewise, with only teammate Dani de Wit (19) committing more fouls for Alkmaar during this year’s European adventure, Odgaard could be set for another action-packed battle. Including giving away three fouls in Alkmaar’s last Conference League showdown against Anderlecht on April 20th, Odgaard has also committed eight fouls in just his last three appearances. Bet Builder Market: Jens Odgaard to commit 2 or more fouls @ 19/20 with the DaznBet sign-up offer.