Town's former European foes AZ Alkmaar could surpass Town's European home unbeaten streak of 31 games when they take on Greek side Larissa in the UEFA Cup on Thuesday evening.

AZ, managed by Louis Van Gaal, equalled Town's total with a draw against Portuguese side Paços de Ferreira in early October and will expunge the Blues from that particular page of the record books if Larissa fail to beat them.

The Blues' unbeaten record stretches back to the European Cup preliminary round tie with Maltese club Floriana in September 1962, which was won 10-0, to the 1-0 home UEFA Cup second round victory over Czech side Slovan Liberec in October 2002.

In the middle of that run, Town defeated AZ 3-0 in the first leg of the 1981 UEFA Cup final, completing the job by restricting the Dutch side to a 4-2 win in Holland.

AZ began their home unbeaten run in 1977, when they thrashed the fantastically named Red Boys Differdange of Luxembourg 11-1. Town have won 25 of their 31 home ties, while Alkmaar have won 22 of theirs.

If Larissa can't beat AZ, then Everton could help the Blues to regain the unbeaten record later in the season. The Toffeemen travel to the DSB Stadion on Thursday, 20th December for their group game with the Dutch side.

Photo: Action Images

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