“Noah” vs AZ: Everything You Need to Know Before the Match – Team News & Probable Lineups

Today, February 19, Yerevan’s Noah face Dutch side AZ in the UEFA Conference League Round of 32. This is the first-ever European knockout-stage match in the history of Armenian club football — a truly historic occasion for the country.

Let’s take a closer look at both teams ahead of kick-off.

AZ Alkmaar

AZ Alkmaar come into the match in solid competitive rhythm. In 2026 alone, the team has already played nine official matches and even changed their head coach. On January 18, the squad was taken over by Lee-Roy Echteld. Under his leadership, AZ have played six matches: 3 wins, 2 draws, and 1 defeat.

The team currently sits 6th in the Eredivisie and is battling for European qualification next season. They still have an outside chance of reaching the Champions League spots, trailing third place by six points.

AZ are also competing in the Dutch Cup (semi-finals) and the UEFA Conference League. Notably, they are currently the only Dutch club still active in European competition.

AZ – Recent Results

• Excelsior — AZ 1:2 (both goals scored after the 90th minute)

• AZ — Ajax 1:1

• AZ — Twente 2:1 (after extra time, Cup)

• AZ — NEC Nijmegen 1:3

• Telstar — AZ 0:1

Squad Absences

Unavailable:

• Chavez Garcia (suspension – yellow card accumulation)

• Jordy Clasie (injury)

• Denso Kasius (injury)

• Seiya Maikuma (injury)

• Wesley Patati (injury)

• Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro (injury)

Kees Smit, Sven Mijnans, and Mexx Meerdink have recovered but are unlikely to be fit for a full 90 minutes.

One booking away from suspension: Wouter Goes, Ibrahim Sadiq, Isak Jensen.

Tactical Concerns

AZ’s biggest issue lies in the full-back positions. Both right-backs (Kasius and Maikuma) are injured, so 19-year-old Elijah Dijkstra — primarily a youth team player but already experienced in Conference League matches — is expected to start.

On the left flank, Chavez’s suspension leaves Mees de Wit as the only real option. He has played almost every match without rotation and may be physically fatigued.

As a result, the flanks look like AZ’s most vulnerable area. Since the team relies heavily on attacking full-backs, defensive spaces often open up — something Noah could potentially exploit.

In central defense, there are no major issues, but Wouter Goes is at risk of suspension. The coaching staff might rest him and give a chance to new signing Rion Ichihara.

In midfield, with Smit and Mijnans just returning from injury, 20-year-old Kasper Buurgaard is likely to start.

In goal, 35-year-old Jeroen Zoet is expected to feature, as first-choice goalkeeper Owusu-Oduro is injured and not included in the squad.

Probable AZ Lineup (4-3-3)

Jeroen Zoet — Elijah Dijkstra, Alexandre Penetra, Wouter Goes, Mees de Wit — Peer Koopmeiners, Kasper Buurgaard, Mayckel Lahdo — Isak Jensen, Ibrahim Sadiq, Troy Parrott.

FC Noah

FC Noah approach the match after winter training camps and a series of friendlies. The Armenian champions will likely be fresher physically but lack the competitive rhythm of official matches.

There are no major injury concerns for the team coached by Sandro Perković. The only changes relate to winter transfers — no new arrivals, but some departures. Overall, Noah are expected to line up in their familiar structure.

During the winter break, several players recovered from injuries — notably Imran Oulad Omar, who impressed in qualification but barely featured in the main stage.

Noah – Recent Friendlies

• Noah — Lech 1:0

• Noah — Lokomotiv Moscow 0:2

• Noah — Rostov 0:3

• Noah — Yunnan 5:5

• Noah — Astana 0:0

Probable Noah Lineup (4-3-3)

Timothy Fayulu — Eric Boakye, Sergey Muradyan, Nathaniel Sante, David Sualehe — Yan Eteki, Gustavo Sangaré, Takuto Oshima — Hélder Ferreira, Marin Jakoliš, Nardin Mulahusejnović.

Departures During the Winter Window

• Ognjen Čančarević

• Alen Grgić

• Virgile Pinson

• Artak Dashyan

• Guðmundur Þórarinsson

Match Details

The match will take place on February 19 at 21:45 Yerevan time at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium in Yerevan.

Broadcast information:

• Armenia — Fast Sports

• Russia — Okko

• Netherlands — Ziggo

A historic night awaits Armenian football — and Noah have a real opportunity to test themselves against one of the Netherlands’ strongest sides.