Ararat-Armenia go into Ararat-Armenia vs AZ Alkmaar in a difficult spot. They are 34th of 36 in the Europa League table with zero points from two matches, and they have already conceded seven goals in the league phase. AZ Alkmaar are 20th with three points, which leaves a clear gap before the match is even played.
Ararat-Armenia's numbers
The home side's defensive record is the biggest warning sign. Only Lech Poznan have conceded more than Ararat-Armenia's seven goals in the league phase, and that leaves Manuel Tulipa with a side that still needs a cleaner performance just to stay in the game for long stretches.
Tulipa has at least kept a full squad available. He said Ararat-Armenia have reported no fresh injury or suspension concerns for the visit of AZ Alkmaar, continuing the clean bill of health that has run through their opening two league-phase matches.
The home side's attacking outlets
If Ararat-Armenia are going to make this awkward, Bruno Wilson and Sandro Lima are the main reasons. Wilson's goal was the only reply in the 1-4 home defeat to Sparta Prague on September 16, while Lima has two appearances, one assist and 156 minutes in this season's Europa League.
Tulipa has also hinted at the route he wants to use. He said Banjaqui's goal in Bialystok came on the counter-attack, which points to wide pace and transition play rather than a straight battle with AZ's back line. That feels like the right approach, because a front-foot trade of chances would suit the visitors more than the hosts.
AZ's three points give them a far calmer starting point, and their 20th-place position is a better reflection of a side already handling the league phase more comfortably. Ararat-Armenia need a response at home, but the standings say they are up against it before a ball is kicked.
Written by Sam Whitfield with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →
