Alkmaar Roma Europa League Starting XI

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Post on Jan 24, 2025

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Alkmaar's Europa League Starting XI: Predicting the Lineup Against Roma

Hey football fans! So, the big game's coming up – AZ Alkmaar versus AS Roma in the Europa League. A massive clash, right? I've been chewing over this one for days, trying to figure out what Pascal Jansen, Alkmaar's manager, might throw at the Giallorossi. It's a tough one to call, honestly. Roma's a top-tier team, and Alkmaar needs to be at their absolute best. Let's dive into my predicted starting XI and why I think Jansen might go this way.

Predicting the Formation: A 4-3-3 Masterclass?

I'm leaning towards a 4-3-3 for Alkmaar. It's a formation that lets them control possession, something crucial against a team like Roma, who love to counter-attack. Remember when we played that awful game against Feyenoord last season? We got totally overrun because our midfield was a sieve! This time, I reckon Jansen will prioritize midfield solidity. This formation allows for that while still providing attacking threat. It's all about balance, you see?

The Goalkeeper: A Safe Bet

In goal, it's got to be Hobie Verhulst. He's the undisputed number one and has shown some seriously impressive performances this season. No surprises there. He's reliable, which is precisely what you need against a team with Roma’s firepower.

The Defense: Solid but Under Pressure

Defense is where it gets tricky. I think we’ll see Sven Mijnans and Jordy Clasie as the center-backs. They're both experienced and know how to organize the backline. Getting them to communicate effectively under pressure will be key. I remember that Champions League qualifier a few years ago; our defense completely crumbled under the pressure. This time, the communication needs to be flawless! On the flanks, we could see Pelle van Amersfoort and Yukinari Sugawara. They offer a good mix of attacking and defensive capabilities. Sugawara's pace will be vital in dealing with Roma's quick wingers.

Midfield: The Engine Room

The midfield is where Alkmaar really needs to shine. I predict Jansen will opt for a three-man midfield comprising Tijjani Reijnders, Mayckel Lahdo, and Dani de Wit. Reijnders is the engine, the workhorse, winning back possession and distributing effectively. Lahdo brings energy and pressing intensity, vital in disrupting Roma's play. And De Wit? He's the creative spark, the one who can unlock defenses with his vision and passing. This midfield needs to be rock-solid to control the game.

Attack: Finding the Net

Up front, I'm going with a front three of Vangelis Pavlidis, Jesper Karlsson, and Hakon Evjen. Pavlidis is the main striker, a powerful presence who can hold the ball up and create chances. Karlsson and Evjen provide width, pace, and tricky dribbling skills – they need to cause problems out wide. This front three's job is simple: score goals! Against a team like Roma, you need players who can finish.

My Predicted Starting XI:

1. Hobie Verhulst (GK)
2. Pelle van Amersfoort (RB)
3. Sven Mijnans (CB)
4. Jordy Clasie (CB)
5. Yukinari Sugawara (LB)
6. Tijjani Reijnders (CM)
7. Mayckel Lahdo (CM)
8. Dani de Wit (CM)
9. Vangelis Pavlidis (ST)
10. Jesper Karlsson (LW)
11. Hakon Evjen (RW)

Remember: This is just my prediction. Football is unpredictable! Anything can happen. However, this lineup gives Alkmaar a strong foundation. But I'm also keeping my fingers crossed! Let's hope the boys pull off a huge upset. What are your predictions? Let me know in the comments!