FC Groningen vs AZ Alkmaar Prediction, Match Preview, Sunday, March 22nd

In the Eredivisie, FC Groningen will face AZ Alkmaar at the Euroborg on Sunday, March 22nd. This matchup is a key fixture in the Dutch league, as both teams look to solidify their positions in the standings. FC Groningen, playing at home, will aim to leverage their familiarity with the Euroborg to gain an advantage over their visitors.

AZ Alkmaar, known for their strong performances, will be keen to secure points away from home. This match is significant for both teams, as it could impact their standings in the Eredivisie. Fans can expect a competitive encounter as FC Groningen and AZ Alkmaar battle it out on the pitch.

FC Groningen vs AZ Alkmaar Prediction & Betting tip

Betting Tip	Odds
AZ Alkmaar to Win	2.53

Given the current form and head-to-head record, our recommended betting tip is to back AZ Alkmaar to win. AZ Alkmaar have been in stronger form lately, highlighted by their recent dominant performances and their impressive attacking prowess, particularly from Troy Parrott. FC Groningen’s recent struggles and key injuries further tilt the odds in AZ Alkmaar’s favour.

• AZ Alkmaar have a dominant head-to-head record against FC Groningen, winning four out of their last five encounters.
• The attacking form of AZ Alkmaar, especially Troy Parrott’s 13 goals in 21 matches, suggests they will likely score multiple goals.
• FC Groningen’s recent poor form, losing four out of their last five league games, and injury concerns make it difficult for them to mount a strong challenge.

Betting Odds

In this Eredivisie clash, FC Groningen and AZ Alkmaar are neck and neck in the betting odds, with both teams priced almost identically. FC Groningen are slightly favoured at 2.52, while AZ Alkmaar are at 2.53, indicating a very tight match-up.

Betting Tip	Odds
FC Groningen to win	2.52
Draw	3.63
AZ Alkmaar to win	2.53

The draw is priced at 3.63, suggesting that bookmakers anticipate a closely contested affair. With both teams showing strong performances recently, punters might find value in exploring the over 2.5 goals market, given the attacking prowess on display.

FC Groningen Analysis & Past Performance

FC Groningen have experienced a challenging period, reflected in their recent form, with just one win in their last five matches. Their recent performance includes a notable 3-1 victory over Ajax, yet they have suffered defeats against FC Volendam (3-2), Twente (2-1), and FC Utrecht (2-1), alongside a 1-1 draw with PEC Zwolle.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
PEC Zwolle	FC Groningen	1 – 1 (Draw)	Eredivisie	13 Mar 2026
FC Groningen	Ajax	3 – 1 (Win)	Eredivisie	7 Mar 2026
FC Volendam	FC Groningen	3 – 2 (Loss)	Eredivisie	1 Mar 2026
Twente	FC Groningen	2 – 1 (Loss)	Eredivisie	22 Feb 2026
FC Groningen	FC Utrecht	1 – 2 (Loss)	Eredivisie	14 Feb 2026

Recent Form:

• DWLLL

FC Groningen have averaged 1.60 goals per game in their last five matches, while conceding an average of 1.80 goals. They have not managed a clean sheet in this period, indicating defensive vulnerabilities. At home, they have struggled as well, winning only once in five attempts, which highlights their inconsistency at Euroborg. Thom van Bergen stands out as a key player, contributing significantly with 7 goals this season. Positioned 10th in the league with 35 points, FC Groningen’s season has been marked by a lack of defensive solidity, which they will need to address to improve their win ratio of 20% in recent games.

FC Groningen Suspensions & Injuries

FC Groningen’s upcoming match against AZ Alkmaar will be challenging as they contend with several key injuries. Mark Hoekstra is sidelined with an unknown issue, anticipated to return in late March. His absence in defence will likely be felt, as he has been a regular starter. Etienne Vaessen’s muscle injury also rules him out until late March, impacting the team’s stability at the back.

The midfield will miss the services of Stije Resink, who is out for the season with a knee injury, reducing their options significantly. Additionally, Oskar Zawada’s shoulder injury keeps him out until mid-April, affecting their attacking depth.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Mark Hoekstra	unknown	Late March 2026
Stije Resink	knee injury	Out for season
Oskar Zawada	shoulder injury	Mid April 2026
Etienne Vaessen	muscle injury	Late March 2026

With these absences, coach Dick Lukkien might turn to younger players such as David van der Werff and Jorg Schreuders to fill the gaps. The tactical adjustments may involve a more defensive approach to compensate for the lack of experienced personnel, possibly affecting their offensive capabilities. This could influence betting markets, potentially favouring AZ Alkmaar given Groningen’s depleted squad depth.

FC Groningen Key Players

Leading the line for FC Groningen is Thom van Bergen, their top scorer with 7 goals this season. His ability to find the back of the net underlines his importance in the attacking third. Van Bergen’s agility and precision make him a constant threat to any defence, and his partnership with Younes Taha in the forward line is expected to be pivotal in breaking down AZ Alkmaar’s defensive setup.

In the midfield, Jorg Schreuders and Travis Hernes are expected to be the creative fulcrums. Schreuders, known for his vision and passing range, will be tasked with dictating the tempo and creating goal-scoring opportunities. Meanwhile, Hernes adds a dynamic edge with his ability to drive forward and support the attack. Defensively, Marco Rente and Thijmen Blokzijl form a sturdy central partnership, crucial for maintaining solidity at the back.

Expected lineup for FC Groningen

• Goalkeeper: Hidde Jurjus
• Defence: Marco Rente, Thijmen Blokzijl, Dies Janse, Marvin Peersman
• Midfield: David van der Werff, Tygo Land, Jorg Schreuders, Travis Hernes
• Forward: Younes Taha, Thom van Bergen

The tactical approach heavily relies on these key players to execute a balanced game plan. Van Bergen’s scoring prowess, coupled with the midfield’s creativity and defensive resilience, could provide FC Groningen with the strategic depth needed to secure a favourable result. Their ability to exploit AZ Alkmaar’s weaknesses will be crucial in shaping the outcome of the match.

FC Groningen Tactics and Formation

FC Groningen Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Expected 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Thom van Bergen
• Midfield Anchor: Travis Hernes
• Defensive Concerns: No clean sheets in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: High pressing and wide play.

FC Groningen are likely to deploy a 4-3-3 formation under the guidance of coach Dick Lukkien. This setup aims to maximise offensive potential while maintaining a compact midfield. Travis Hernes will anchor the midfield, offering defensive cover and linking play between the lines. The attacking trio, led by Thom van Bergen, provides pace and creativity, essential for breaking down defences.

Defensively, Groningen have struggled, as evidenced by their lack of clean sheets in recent fixtures. The backline, featuring Marco Rente and Marvin Peersman, needs to tighten up to prevent conceding goals. Their defensive unit will be tested against AZ Alkmaar’s attacking prowess.

Offensively, Groningen’s strategy focuses on high pressing and utilising the flanks. With wingers like Younes Taha and Thom van Bergen, the team aims to stretch the opposition and create scoring opportunities. Despite recent form indicating vulnerability, their attacking intent remains a key component of their game plan.

AZ Alkmaar Analysis & Past Performance

AZ Alkmaar have displayed impressive form recently, securing a series of victories that underline their attacking prowess. In their last five matches, they have achieved four wins and suffered just one loss. Notably, their recent 4-0 triumph against Sparta Prague in the Conference League exemplifies their offensive capabilities and defensive solidity, with zero goals conceded away from home.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Sparta Prague	AZ Alkmaar	0 – 4 (Win)	Conference League Final Stage	19 Mar, 2026
AZ Alkmaar	Heracles	4 – 0 (Win)	Eredivisie	15 Mar, 2026
AZ Alkmaar	Sparta Prague	2 – 1 (Win)	Conference League Final Stage	12 Mar, 2026
PSV Eindhoven	AZ Alkmaar	2 – 1 (Loss)	Eredivisie	7 Mar, 2026
AZ Alkmaar	Telstar	2 – 1 (Win)	KNVB Cup	4 Mar, 2026

Recent Form:
AZ Alkmaar’s attacking unit has been prolific, averaging 2.60 goals per game over their last five fixtures. They have managed to score in every match during this period, highlighting a consistent offensive threat. Defensively, they have conceded an average of only 0.80 goals per game, achieving two clean sheets, which bolsters their confidence in maintaining defensive integrity. Their away form shows a win ratio of 40%, with two victories out of the last five away games. Although their away form is not as strong as at home, they remain a formidable side with a balanced approach.

In the Eredivisie, AZ Alkmaar stand 6th with 42 points, reflecting a mid-top table position. Their current league performance showcases a win ratio of 44%, indicating competitive consistency. Troy Parrott, with 14 goals this season, remains a key figure in their attack, offering a crucial edge in offensive transitions. AZ Alkmaar’s ability to score frequently and maintain defensive resilience makes them a challenging opponent for any team.

• WWWLW

AZ Alkmaar Suspensions & Injuries

AZ Alkmaar face a few challenges with key players unavailable due to injuries, which could impact their tactical approach against FC Groningen. The absence of Jordy Clasie, who is doubtful due to overload, might be felt in the midfield. Clasie is a pivotal figure in orchestrating play, and his unavailability could see AZ Alkmaar adjusting their formation to compensate for the lack of his experience and defensive contributions.

Seiya Maikuma is also doubtful, which raises concerns about depth in the squad, particularly if late changes are needed. Meanwhile, Mateo Chavez is not expected to return until late March, adding to the midfield woes for AZ Alkmaar. With Chavez out, the team might lean more heavily on players like Peer Koopmeiners and Sven Mijnans to step up and fill the void.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Jordy Clasie	overload	Doubtful
Seiya Maikuma	unknown	Doubtful
Mateo Chavez	unknown	Late March 2026

In terms of tactical adjustments, coach Leeroy Echteld might opt for a more conservative approach, focusing on maintaining possession and utilising the pace of forwards like Isak Steiner Jensen and Troy Parrott to break through Groningen’s defences. The betting markets may take note of these absences, potentially seeing AZ Alkmaar as slightly less favoured due to their reduced midfield options, which could influence the match’s dynamic significantly.

AZ Alkmaar Key Players

Troy Parrott is the linchpin of AZ Alkmaar’s attack, having scored 14 goals this season, making him the top scorer. His ability to find space and convert chances will be pivotal against FC Groningen. Parrott’s intelligent movement and clinical finishing make him a constant threat in the opposition’s penalty area.

The midfield trio of Kees Smit, Peer Koopmeiners, and Sven Mijnans will play a crucial role in controlling the game’s tempo and providing the necessary support to both defence and attack. Koopmeiners, known for his passing accuracy and vision, will be essential in transitioning play and creating opportunities for Parrott and the wingers, Weslley Patati and Ro-Zangelo Daal.

Expected lineup for AZ Alkmaar:

• Goalkeeper: Hobie Verhulst
• Defence: Elijah Dijkstra, Wouter Goes, Billy van Duijl, Mees de Wit
• Midfield: Kees Smit, Peer Koopmeiners, Sven Mijnans
• Forward: Weslley Patati, Troy Parrott, Ro-Zangelo Daal

AZ Alkmaar Tactics and Formation

AZ Alkmaar Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Troy Parrott
• Midfield Trio: Peer Koopmeiners, Sven Mijnans, Kees Smit
• Defensive Solidity: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High pressing and dynamic wing play.

AZ Alkmaar’s 4-3-3 formation is designed to maximise their attacking potential while maintaining a robust defensive structure. The midfield trio of Peer Koopmeiners, Sven Mijnans, and Kees Smit provides a blend of creativity and defensive cover. This setup allows AZ Alkmaar to dominate possession and control the tempo of the game.

Defensively, AZ Alkmaar rely on a backline featuring Denso Kasius and Mees de Wit as full-backs, with Wouter Goes and Alexandre Penetra as central defenders. The team have managed to keep two clean sheets in their last five games, showcasing their ability to maintain defensive discipline and organisation.

Offensively, AZ Alkmaar’s strategy revolves around high pressing and exploiting spaces on the wings. Troy Parrott, as the key forward, is supported by wingers Isak Steiner Jensen and Ro-Zangelo Daal, whose pace and dribbling skills are crucial in breaking down defensive lines. This approach has led to a current winning streak of three games, making them a formidable attacking force.

FC Groningen vs AZ Alkmaar H2H Record

In their head-to-head record, AZ Alkmaar hold a significant advantage over FC Groningen with 24 wins compared to Groningen’s 11, and 15 matches ending in draws. The last meeting saw AZ Alkmaar secure a commanding 4-1 victory at home in the Eredivisie. This result highlights AZ Alkmaar’s recent dominance in this fixture.

The last time FC Groningen hosted AZ Alkmaar in the Eredivisie, the match ended in a goalless draw. Despite playing at home, Groningen have struggled to break down AZ Alkmaar’s defence, a pattern seen in several recent encounters.

Home Team	Away Team	Score	League	Date
AZ Alkmaar	FC Groningen	4 – 1	Eredivisie	2025-08-10
AZ Alkmaar	FC Groningen	3 – 0	Eredivisie	2025-05-11
AZ Alkmaar	FC Groningen	3 – 1	KNVB Cup	2024-12-18
FC Groningen	AZ Alkmaar	0 – 0	Eredivisie	2024-08-25
AZ Alkmaar	FC Groningen	1 – 0	Eredivisie	2023-03-11