Ararat-Armenia – AZ Alkmaar Preview – Can AZ finally win away in Europe?
Our Ararat-Armenia vs AZ Alkmaar betting tips start with a simple observation: AZ are the stronger side in this Europa League league-phase tie, and this is the kind of trip they should handle. Kick-off is on 22 October 2026 at 16:45 GMT.
- 22/10/2026
Ararat-Armenia come in stung. They lost 3-1 in Poland at Jagiellonia last week, with head coach Manuel Tulipa pointing to individual mistakes, and before that they were beaten 4-1 by Sparta Prague. Two European games, two defeats, seven goals conceded. At home they will be more comfortable, but the gap in quality to AZ is wide.
AZ are the stronger side by a distance. Lee-Roy Echteld’s team beat Hapoel Be’er Sheva 2-1 at home last week, with a Peer Koopmeiners goal and a Mexx Meerdink penalty, and were second in the Eredivisie before a 2-2 draw at Cambuur on Sunday. That draw, and a 1-0 loss to Sunderland on matchday one, show they can be less than airtight. Their last five contain plenty of goals at both ends, which is exactly what this tip card leans on.
You can read how Ararat fared in Poland in our Jagiellonia preview, and how AZ handled their last home outing in our Hapoel Be’er Sheva piece.
Ararat-Armenia – AZ Alkmaar Betting Tips
Betting Tip: AZ Alkmaar -1 on the handicap
- AZ Alkmaar have won four of their last five matches
Straight win money feels too short for a side this much stronger, so the handicap is the better route. Ararat have lost by two goals or more in both European games, and AZ sit near the top of a far tougher league. If the Dutch side score first, the hosts’ habit of making individual errors should open the door to a comfortable margin.
Betting Tip: Over 2.5 goals
- Ararat-Armenia have seen three or more goals in three of their last five matches
Both Ararat European games produced four goals or more, and AZ have scored plenty in recent matches. A weaker home side chasing the game, plus a visiting attack that finds the net regularly, points to an open evening. We expect the goals line to be cleared.
Betting Tip: Both teams to score
- AZ Alkmaar have scored in each of their last five matches
- Ararat-Armenia have scored in each of their last five matches
- Ararat-Armenia have conceded in four of their last five matches
Ararat have scored in each of their last five matches, including both in Europe, so a goal for the hosts is far from a fantasy. AZ’s draw at Cambuur and the narrow win over Hapoel show their defence can be breached by lesser opposition. Even in defeat, Ararat have found a way past the keeper.
If you like this card, you can build it into an accumulator or play the legs separately. Check the latest match odds on the sportsbook before kick-off to see the current prices.
What to expect
AZ should dominate possession and territory, with Ararat hitting back on the break and from set-pieces. Expect a lopsided but lively game, with the visitors ahead on the scoreboard and the hosts getting at least one goal of their own. Ararat-Armenia face Noah in the league next, so the Europa League tie may be where they are willing to open up and gamble.
Quick answers
When does Ararat-Armenia vs AZ Alkmaar kick off?
22 October 2026 at 16:45 GMT.
Who is the favourite?
AZ Alkmaar are firm favourites, clearly the stronger side on current form and league standing.
What is our main tip?
AZ Alkmaar -1 on the handicap, backed by goals at both ends.
- 22/10/2026
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