Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.
Tottenham Hotspur face AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 tie tonight, with Ange Postecoglou’s side looking to take a decisive advantage back to London.
Spurs have not played since a narrow 1-0 loss to Manchester City on 26 February, but that break has allowed Postecoglou to ease some key players back after long injury spells.
And returning players will help the side push for the only remaining trophy they can win as they look to salvage a disappointing season.
Spurs are among the favourites for the competition, and their first knockout match takes them to the Netherlands to face an Alkmaar side who have slipped to sixth in the Eredivisie. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the match:
When is AZ Alkmaar vs Tottenham?
The match is due to kick off at 5.45pm GMT on Thursday, 6 March at the AFAS Stadium in Alkmaar, Netherlands.
How can I watch the match?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the game live on TNT Sports 3, with coverage starting at 5pm. Subscribers can also watch online via discovery+.
You can purchase a TNT Sports subscription via discovery+ here, for only £30.99 per month.
Team news
This match may come just too soon for Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Dominic Solanke, though all three have returned to training so they could feature. Ben Davies and Richarlison are a few days behind that trio in terms of their recovery.
That said, Spurs’ injury crisis has eased in recent weeks, and the squad have had rest since the defeat to City on 26 February.
James Maddison, Wilson Odobert, Destiny Udogie and Brennan Johnson have all returned in the last few weeks, giving Ange Postecoglou plenty of midfield and attacking options ahead of this match.
However, Dejan Kulusevski will be unavailable after picking up a knock.
Predicted line-ups
AZ Alkmaar XI: Owusu-Oduro; Maikuma, Goes, Penetra, Wolfe; Belic, Koopmeiners; Poku, Buurmeester, Lahdo; Parrott.
Spurs XI: Vicario; Porro, Gray, Danso, Udogie; Bergvall, Bentancur, Maddison; Johnson, Tel, Son.
Odds
AZ Alkmaar win – 23/10
Draw – 11/4
Tottenham win – 21/20
The Independent vets betting sites for useability, security and responsible gambling tools. You can claim free bets here to use across a range of sports. Please read the terms.
Prediction
Even if Postecoglou rests players, Spurs should have more than enough quality for the Eredivisie side, and they should take a healthy lead back to London.
AZ Alkmaar 0-2 Tottenham.
