Match Previews

AZ Alkmaar is set for their first European match of the season...The team recorded a disappointing away draw against Sparta Rotterdam last week...Cziommer(mid)(r) didn't travel to portugal because of his injury...AZ Alkmaar is hoping for a good result in Portugal but that won't be easy as they lack form at the moment. AZ is sixth at the moment and they already booked a defeat and a draw this season after only four games. The last game was against Sparta and the home team took a 2-0 lead after only fifty minutes of the game. AZ showed determination and goals from Jenner(sp) and El-Hamdaoui(sp) gave them a point in Rotterdam. The match against Pacos Ferreira is important for this team as they want to reach the group stage in the UEFA Cup more than anything. Van Gaal is expected to form a 4-4-2 formation and he has to deal with some absent players. Cziommer missed the last game through an injury and he is in Holland to work for his full recovery. Mendes da Silva(r) and Didulica(sp) are also injured and they won't participate in this game. Medunjanin(sp) replaced Cziommer on the midfield in the last game and he is again expected to start. Opdam(r) was substituted after a kick on his knee against Sparta Rotterdam. Pocognoli(sp) replaced him but Opdam is fit at the moment and expected to start at left back. New player El-Hamdaoui made his team debut last week and he scored the equalizer. The midfielder traveled along with the team but he is expected to start on the bench.