AZ draw strength from Betis diversions

Striking concern
Georgian international Arveladze has a heavily swollen thigh and according to club physio Maarten Gozeling, faces "a race against the clock to be fit" for the match at the Alkmaarderhout. With Nigerian striker Pius Ikedia also out with a groin injury, which will sideline him for four to six weeks, AZ could be forgiven for thinking their dwindling hopes have all but vanished. However, they are keen to emulate their semi-final appearance of last season and coach Louis van Gaal has taken heart from their performance at the weekend.

Comeback hope
The Dutch side found themselves 3-0 down after 34 minutes at home to FC Utrecht, but AZ reduced the arrears courtesy of a Leen van Steensel own goal before Danny Koevermans set up a tense finale. The equaliser was not forthcoming, but Van Gaal was nonetheless impressed, saying: "I compliment the players for the way they fought back. I don't think we will be without a chance for the upcoming matches against Betis and PSV."

League preoccupations
Betis could draw few positives from their demoralising 5-1 defeat by FC Barcelona on Saturday, however, and with his team stuck in the relegation places, coach Lorenzo Serra Ferrer admitted his focus was elsewhere. "I'm already thinking about our next league game," he said. "I'm committed to helping Betis through in the UEFA Cup but I will field a team with Sunday [and the match against Real Sociedad de Fútbol] in mind.

'Daring team'
"AZ are a daring team, difficult to control. We have a two-goal advantage but if we concede an early goal, we could be knocked out," continued Serra Ferrer, who could welcome Capi back from injury. Xisco Muñoz, Alejandro Lembo (both ankle), Marcos Assunção (dislocated shoulder), Paolo Castellini and Miguel Ángel (both knee) are all sidelined.