**Tottenham Hotspur Primed for Europa League Clash with AZ Alkmaar**

Following a somewhat lackluster start, Tottenham Hotspur regained form over the weekend, rebounding from their previous stumble against Brighton with a commanding victory. This win extends their successful run to six victories in their last seven matches across all competitions since mid-September, including the Europa League. Spurs are set to continue their Europa League campaign on Thursday when they host AZ Alkmaar at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham's primary focus has never been just making it out of the League Phase; they are among the favorites to clinch the entire competition. Securing early wins certainly alleviates future pressures and sets a positive tone that could influence their weekend fixtures. Spurs' recent performances suggest they are back on track, and another victory could further cement that momentum.

AZ Alkmaar has experienced a mixed start in their Europa League journey, winning against Elfsborg but falling to Bilbao, which was anticipated. The Dutch side last participated in this competition during the 2020/21 season but has more recently featured in the Conference League, where they were ousted by West Ham in the semifinals of 2022/23. This Thursday marks the first European clash between Tottenham and AZ, though Spurs have a history of encountering Dutch teams, most recently facing PSV and Ajax in the 2018/19 Champions League.

A compelling storyline for Thursday's match is the return of former Tottenham academy player Troy Parrott to North London. After a £6.7-million transfer this summer, Parrott has found his stride at AZ, leading the team with five goals this season. His notable performance includes netting four goals in a single match and scoring the decisive penalty against Elfsborg.

Despite Parrott's resurgence, AZ struggled offensively against Bilbao, mustering just 0.4 xG. This suggests they might not pose a significant threat to Tottenham's defense. However, Spurs will need to address ongoing defensive lapses, especially with a likely rotated lineup that could feature players like Ben Davies, Archie Gray, and the returning Radu Dragusin.

While the early stages of the Europa League might often seem like a chore, this season offers Spurs an opportunity to flex their depth. Substituting in reserves can provide valuable game time and maintain competitive edges. One player to watch is Richarlison, who recently made a brief return from injury. Serving as the backup to Dominic Solanke, Richarlison has the potential to capitalize on Europa League minutes and further bolster Tottenham's offensive strength.

As the match approaches, Tottenham fans will be eager to see if their team can maintain their winning streak and continue their journey towards securing Europa League glory.