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AZ Alkmaar have hit red hot form and made some rather ironic club history ahead of the crucial West Ham clash.
West Ham head to Holland this week for the second leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final against AZ Alkmaar.
Hammers supporters urged David Moyes to rest most of the players who will start on Thursday night when they played Brentford on Sunday.
And the Scot did just that making nine changes as West Ham were comfortably beaten 2-0.
West Ham hold a 2-1 lead going into the second leg. But on the evidence of the first game, Moyes’ side still have their work cut out against a very energetic AZ side.
AZ Alkmaar hit red hot form and make some ironic club history ahead of crucial West Ham clash
While Moyes made wholesale changes for Brentford, Alkmaar boss Pascal Jansen named close to his first choice XI for their league match against struggling FC Emmen.
And West Ham will undoubtedly be keeping tabs on their opponents ahead of the big game.
Any hope of facing a jaded or confidence hit side have been shot to pieces, though.
Because AZ Alkmaar have hit red hot form and made some ironic club history ahead of the crucial West Ham clash.
Which approach pays off will become clear on Thursday night
West Ham’s opponents blasted their way to a 4-0 lead within 28 minutes of the game.
It is only the second time in AZ’s entire history that they have scored four goals in the opening 28 minutes of a game.
The first time they did it? In 2008 against Sparta – the last time the club won what would be considered a major trophy by lifting the Eredivisie title.
And the current side will be hoping that’s an omen ahead of the West Ham clash.
“AZ have scored four goals within the first 28 minutes of an Eredivisie game for only the second time in club history, after doing so first in 2008 v Sparta (also the fourth goal in the 28th minute). Glut,” Opta posted on Sunday night.
West Ham be warned, though, because they were not done there.
AZ made it 5-0 just before half-time.
That will undoubtedly enable Jansen to make a host of changes in the second half to rest key stars for the West Ham match.
The game ended 5-1.
Two very contrasting preparations for the semi-finalists. We’ll find out on Thursday night which approach pays off.
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