AZ Alkmaar welcome Elfsborg to the Netherlands on the opening matchday of the Europa League on Wednesday. The hosts have made a superb start to the season, while the Swedish visitors are coming to the end of their domestic campaign with plenty still to play for.

AZ took advantage of an uncharacteristically woeful season by Ajax last year to finish in the top four once again. Despite missing out on third place, which would have earned them a Champions League qualifying spot, to Twente, AZ's league finish still ensured direct passage into the league phase of the Europa League. Not playing any summer qualifiers has allowed manager Maarten Martens to focus solely on league matters in the opening six weeks of the season, and his side have taken full advantage. Only a 100% start from PSV Eindhoven is stopping AZ from topping the Eredivisie table after six matches, as a 0-0 draw at Groningen are the only points they have dropped so far.

After two opening 1-0 wins, AZ have certainly let their hair down in recent weeks, as they returned from the recent international break by thrashing Heerenveen 9-1 here. However, it was a much closer encounter against Zwolle at the weekend that saw them prepare for this European opener, winning 2-1 on the road to maintain that impressive start.

The 1981 finalists are back in this competition for the first time since 2020, when they were eliminated in the group stage, contributing to a run of just two wins in their last 10 Europa League outings. This competition also saw them suffer their most embarrassing European defeat in their history, when they were beaten 11-2 on aggregate by Lyon in the last 16 back in 2017, losing 7-1 in the second leg. Playing in the Conference League over the past three seasons has provided more success, as the club reached the semi-finals in 2022-23, but they were knocked out in the groups last season.

AZ's opening game this time around pits them against Elfsborg for the first time, and the Dutch side have a good record against Swedish clubs, only losing once in six previous matches.

The visitors will take to the field in a European competition proper for the first time in 11 years in this one, as Elfsborg are back in continental action after a Europa League group stage exit in 2013-14. On that occasion, Elfsborg took just one point from their opening five games and were eliminated, and their draw this time around suggests they could find it difficult once again.

According to UEFA's coefficient rankings, Elfsborg have been handed the toughest draw of all 36 clubs in the Europa League, facing Roma and Tottenham Hotspur from pot one, Galatasaray from pot three, and a devilishly difficult duo of Nice and Athletic Bilbao from pot four. Manager Oscar Hiljemark, who spent two years playing in Holland with PSV, will hope his side can transfer their domestic form onto the continent, as they have lost just once in their last 19 games.

After a poor start to their season, which runs from spring through to autumn, Elfsborg have recovered excellently and are in with a shout of qualifying for Europe again. A dull 0-0 draw with Hammarby at the weekend has kept them in contention with six games to go, as they sit just three points off the top three having been nowhere at the midway point of the campaign. European distractions could be costly for their domestic aims though, should Hiljemark throw everything at them reaching the knockout stage.

AZ have a few injury concerns heading into this clash, with Bruno Martins Indi (hamstring) and Mees de Wit (foot) unlikely to recover in time to feature here, while young goalkeeper Sem Westerveld is also out. Former Tottenham forward Troy Parrott is set to make his European debut after coming in to replace Benfica-bound Vangelis Pavlidis over the summer. All four of Parrott's goals for the club so far came in their 9-1 annihilation of Heerenveen, so he will be out to prove that was not a one off.

Elfsborg will be able to recall Ibrahim Buhari to their defence after he served a domestic ban over the weekend, but Jens Thomasen will remain out with the injury he picked up against Brommapojkarna at the start of the month. Arber Zeneli rejoined his boyhood club earlier this year, contributing to 13 goals from out wide so far, and the Kosovan international should play just ahead of his younger brother Besfort Zeneli. The man to watch for the visitors is striker Michael Baidoo, whose six goal involvements in Europa League qualifying was only bettered by one other player.

AZ Alkmaar's Form & Key Players

AZ Alkmaar have started the season in scintillating form, scoring goals for fun and showcasing a potent attacking force. Their recent 9-1 thrashing of Heerenveen is a testament to their attacking prowess, and they have been particularly impressive at home. Key players to watch out for include:

• Troy Parrott: The former Tottenham striker has made a seamless transition to AZ, scoring four goals in his first six appearances. He will be looking to continue his impressive form on the European stage.

• Ibrahim Sadiq: The Nigerian forward is a potent goal threat, and his ability to hold up the ball and link up with attacking midfielders makes him a valuable asset for AZ.

• Ruben van Bommel: The Dutch midfielder is the heartbeat of the AZ midfield. His vision, passing range, and ability to control the tempo of the game will be crucial for AZ's success.

Elfsborg's Form & Key Players

Elfsborg have had a rollercoaster season, but they have shown resilience and a strong fighting spirit to overcome numerous challenges. Their recent run of form is impressive, having gone 12 games without defeat. Key players to watch out for include:

• Michael Baidoo: The striker has been a revelation for Elfsborg, scoring important goals throughout their Europa League qualification campaign. He will be the main threat for the visitors.

• Arber Zeneli: The Kosovan international is a skillful and creative winger who can create havoc for opposing defenses. He has been a key figure for Elfsborg this season, contributing 13 goals from out wide.

• Ibrahim Buhari: The defender is a solid and reliable presence at the back for Elfsborg. He will be key in trying to keep the potent AZ attack quiet.

Match Prediction

Despite Elfsborg's recent good form and their impressive run in the Europa League qualifying, AZ Alkmaar are clear favorites for this clash. They have the home advantage, are in sensational form, and have a strong squad with several key players who can make the difference. However, Elfsborg are a dangerous side with a potent attack, and they will be hoping to cause an upset.

I predict a comfortable victory for AZ Alkmaar. While Elfsborg might manage to score a goal or two, AZ's attacking firepower will be too much for them to handle.

AZ Alkmaar possible starting lineup:

• Goalkeeper: Rome-Jayden Owuso-Oduro

• Defenders: Alexandre Penetra, Wouter Goes, David Wolfe, Seiya Maikuma

• Midfielders: Sven Mijnans, Peer Koopmeiners, Jordy Clasie

• Attackers: Troy Parrott, Ruben Van Bommel, Ibrahim Sadiq

Elfsborg possible starting lineup:

• Goalkeeper: Isak Pettersson

• Defenders: Gustav Henriksson, Terry Yegbe, Sebastian Holmén, Timothy Ouma

• Midfielders: Besfort Zeneli, Niklas Hult, Simon Hedlund

• Attackers: Arber Zeneli, Michael Baidoo, Ahmed Qasem

A baptism of fire awaits Elfsborg

AZ have made a brilliant start to the season, and should have enough to overcome one of the lowest-ranked sides in this season's competition. On their return to the European stage after over a decade away, it will be a baptism of fire for Elfsborg with numerous tricky fixtures, including this one against one of the most in-form sides in Holland at present.