AZ Alkmaar vs Go Ahead Eagles Prediction, Match Preview, 7 December

AZ Alkmaar vs Go Ahead Eagles Prediction, Match Preview, 7 December. As we look ahead to this Eredivisie clash, AZ Alkmaar will host Go Ahead Eagles at the AFAS Stadion on Sunday, 7 December. The match is scheduled to kick off at 14:30 and promises to be an intriguing encounter between two Dutch sides with differing ambitions this season.

AZ Alkmaar, playing at home, will look to capitalise on their home advantage and secure vital points in their pursuit of a top league position. Meanwhile, Go Ahead Eagles will be eager to upset the odds and climb the Eredivisie standings. With both teams aiming for important results, this match could have significant implications for their respective campaigns.

AZ Alkmaar vs Go Ahead Eagles Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
AZ Alkmaar to Win	1.4

Given the current form and historical dominance of AZ Alkmaar in this fixture, our recommended betting tip is to back AZ Alkmaar to win. They have a strong home record and have shown consistent performances, which should give them the edge over Go Ahead Eagles.

• AZ Alkmaar have won three of the last five head-to-head meetings, showcasing their dominance in this fixture.
• AZ Alkmaar have scored in 100% of their home matches this season, highlighting strong attacking capabilities.
• Go Ahead Eagles have been inconsistent and have struggled in recent away games, making AZ Alkmaar a safer bet.

Betting Odds

In this Eredivisie clash, AZ Alkmaar are strong favourites with betting odds of 1.4, reflecting their home advantage and superior form. Go Ahead Eagles, on the other hand, are considered underdogs with odds of 6.42, suggesting a tough challenge for them at the AFAS Stadion.

Betting Tip	Odds
AZ Alkmaar to win	1.4
Draw	4.96
Go Ahead Eagles to win	6.42

The draw is priced at 4.96, which might appeal to those expecting a surprise result. With AZ Alkmaar’s attacking prowess, punters may also consider markets for over 2.5 goals, as the home side often finds the net.

AZ Alkmaar Analysis & Past Performance

AZ Alkmaar’s recent form has been somewhat inconsistent, with two wins and three losses in their last five matches across all competitions. Their latest victory, a 3-1 win over PEC Zwolle in the KNVB Cup, highlights their ability to rebound from setbacks, such as the 1-0 defeat to Twente just days earlier.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
PEC Zwolle	AZ Alkmaar	1 – 3 (Win)	KNVB Cup	3 Dec 2025
Twente	AZ Alkmaar	1 – 0 (Loss)	Eredivisie	30 Nov 2025
AZ Alkmaar	Shelbourne	2 – 0 (Win)	Conference League	27 Nov 2025
SC Heerenveen	AZ Alkmaar	3 – 1 (Loss)	Eredivisie	23 Nov 2025
AZ Alkmaar	PSV Eindhoven	1 – 5 (Loss)	Eredivisie	9 Nov 2025

Recent Form:
AZ Alkmaar have managed to score in four of their last five matches, averaging 1.40 goals per game during this period. However, defensive weaknesses are evident, as they have conceded an average of 2.00 goals per match and secured only one clean sheet. At home, their form is stronger, winning four of their last five fixtures, demonstrating a solid win ratio of 0.80 at the AFAS Stadion.

Performance Analysis:

• WLWLL

Offensively, AZ Alkmaar rely heavily on Troy Parrott, their top scorer with seven goals this season. Despite their attacking strengths, their defence has struggled, conceding 10 goals in the last five games, indicating a need for defensive improvement to achieve better results.

AZ Alkmaar Suspensions & Injuries

AZ Alkmaar will face Go Ahead Eagles with several key players potentially missing due to injuries. Seiya Maikuma, who is recovering from a knee injury, and Jordy Clasie, suffering from fatigue, are both doubtful for the upcoming match. Their absence could significantly impact AZ Alkmaar’s midfield dynamism and defensive solidity. The team may need to rely on less experienced players to fill these crucial roles, which could affect their overall performance and tactical flexibility.

Mexx Meerdink, another doubtful player due to a groin injury, could leave a gap in the forward line, potentially reducing AZ Alkmaar’s attacking options. The absence of Denso Kasius with an ankle injury until mid-February 2026 further complicates the defensive setup, limiting the team’s ability to rotate players and maintain defensive stability. Ro-Zangelo Daal’s status remains uncertain as well, adding to the selection headache for the coach.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Seiya Maikuma	Knee injury	Doubtful
Jordy Clasie	Fatigue	Doubtful
Mexx Meerdink	Groin injury	Doubtful
Denso Kasius	Ankle injury	Mid February 2026
Ro-Zangelo Daal	Unknown	Doubtful

With key players uncertain to feature, AZ Alkmaar may need to adjust their tactical approach, possibly opting for a more conservative setup to compensate for the lack of depth. This situation could also influence betting markets, with punters potentially viewing Go Ahead Eagles as having a better chance against a possibly weakened AZ Alkmaar side.

AZ Alkmaar Key Players

AZ Alkmaar will rely heavily on their top scorer, Troy Parrott, who has scored seven goals this season. Parrott’s ability to find the back of the net with clinical precision makes him a constant threat to any defence. His positioning and sharp instincts in the box are vital for AZ Alkmaar’s attacking play, and he will be expected to lead the line effectively against Go Ahead Eagles.

In midfield, Peer Koopmeiners is set to play a crucial role. As a playmaker, his vision and passing range can unlock defences and create opportunities for the forwards. Sven Mijnans will also be pivotal in midfield, providing both defensive cover and creative support. In defence, Wouter Goes stands out as a key figure, tasked with organising the backline and ensuring resilience against the opposition’s attacks. His aerial ability and composure under pressure are key strengths that AZ Alkmaar will look to exploit.

Expected lineup for AZ Alkmaar:

• Goalkeeper: Rome Jayden Owusu-Oduro
• Defenders: Elijah Dijkstra, Wouter Goes, Alexandre Penetra, Mees de Wit
• Midfielders: Kees Smit, Peer Koopmeiners, Sven Mijnans
• Forwards: Weslley Patati, Troy Parrott, Isak Jensen

AZ Alkmaar Tactics and Formation

AZ Alkmaar Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Troy Parrott
• Midfield Engine: Dani de Wit and Tijjani Reijnders
• Defensive Challenge: Lack of clean sheets in recent matches
• Notable Strategy: High pressing and quick ball circulation.

AZ Alkmaar typically employ a 4-3-3 formation, which emphasises width and attacking flexibility. They rely on Troy Parrott to lead the line, supported by wingers who stretch the opposition’s defence. The midfield, anchored by Dani de Wit and Tijjani Reijnders, is pivotal in maintaining possession and transitioning play swiftly from defence to attack.

Defensively, AZ Alkmaar have faced challenges, as evidenced by only one clean sheet in their last five games. The absence of Jordy Clasie due to injury means the team will need to adjust defensively, perhaps relying more on a collective effort to cover gaps and prevent conceding goals.

Offensively, AZ Alkmaar’s high-pressing system is designed to win the ball back quickly and exploit spaces in the opposition half. Their ability to circulate the ball rapidly and create scoring opportunities has been key to their attacking success, although they must remain vigilant against counterattacks.

Go Ahead Eagles Analysis & Past Performance

Go Ahead Eagles have experienced a challenging run in recent fixtures, securing only one win in their last five outings. Their recent results include a notable 2-1 victory against Feyenoord but were marred by heavy defeats such as the 0-4 loss to VfB Stuttgart and a 2-4 defeat against Heracles.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Go Ahead Eagles	FC Utrecht	2 – 2 (Draw)	Eredivisie	30 Nov 2025
Go Ahead Eagles	VfB Stuttgart	0 – 4 (Loss)	Europa League	27 Nov 2025
Heracles	Go Ahead Eagles	4 – 2 (Loss)	Eredivisie	22 Nov 2025
Go Ahead Eagles	Feyenoord	2 – 1 (Win)	Eredivisie	9 Nov 2025
Salzburg	Go Ahead Eagles	2 – 0 (Loss)	Europa League	6 Nov 2025

Recent Form:

• DLLWL

The team has averaged 1.20 goals per match over their last five games while conceding 2.60 goals on average, indicating defensive vulnerabilities. Despite scoring in three of these five fixtures, they failed to keep a clean sheet. Away from home, the Eagles have struggled significantly, losing four of their last five away matches. Their away win ratio stands at 20% for the season, highlighting their struggles on the road. Milan Smit remains a key player, contributing five goals this season, yet the team’s overall performance reflects a need for greater defensive solidity and consistency in front of goal.

Go Ahead Eagles Suspensions & Injuries

Go Ahead Eagles face significant challenges due to injuries to key players. Sören Tengstedt is struggling with a muscle strain and is doubtful for the upcoming match. His absence in the forward line could limit their attacking options and force coach Melvin Boel to reconsider his attacking strategy. Gerrit Nauber’s leg injury also leaves a gap in the defensive line, potentially impacting the team’s stability at the back.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Sören Tengstedt	Muscle strain	Doubtful
Gerrit Nauber	Leg injury	Doubtful
Robbin Weijenberg	Cruciate ligament injury	Late July 2026

The absence of Robbin Weijenberg, who is sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury until late July 2026, further exacerbates their defensive woes. This leaves Melvin Boel with limited options to rotate his backline, which might lead to tactical adjustments such as deploying a more conservative formation to mitigate defensive vulnerabilities.

With these injuries, Go Ahead Eagles may have to rely on less experienced players to fill the void, which could affect their overall performance. The lack of depth due to these injuries might also influence betting markets, as the team could be perceived as less likely to secure a positive result against a strong AZ Alkmaar side.

Go Ahead Eagles Key Players

Leading the line for Go Ahead Eagles is their top scorer, Milan Smit, who has already found the net five times this season. Smit’s sharp instincts in the box and ability to exploit defensive gaps make him a constant threat to AZ Alkmaar’s backline. His partnership with forwards Oskar Sivertsen and Mathis Suray adds a dynamic edge to their attack, capable of creating scoring opportunities from both flanks.

In midfield, Kenzo Goudmijn plays a pivotal role with his vision and passing accuracy, orchestrating play and linking defence with attack. Melle Meulensteen’s defensive acumen and Yassir Salah Rahmouni’s energy in midfield are crucial for maintaining balance and controlling the tempo of the game.

Expected lineup for Go Ahead Eagles

• Goalkeeper: Jari De Busser
• Defence: Mats Deijl, Giovanni van Zwam, Joris Kramer, Aske Adelgaard
• Midfield: Melle Meulensteen, Yassir Salah Rahmouni, Kenzo Goudmijn
• Forward: Oskar Sivertsen, Mathis Suray, Milan Smit

Defensively, Giovanni van Zwam and Joris Kramer form a solid central partnership, tasked with thwarting AZ Alkmaar’s offensive threats. The tactical impact of these key players highlights Go Ahead Eagles’ strengths in quick transitions and solid defensive organisation, which will be instrumental in their game plan.

Go Ahead Eagles Tactics and Formation

Go Ahead Eagles Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Expected 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Milan Smit
• Midfield Pivot: Melle Meulensteen and Yassir Salah Rahmouni
• Defensive Concerns: No clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on midfield control and counter-attacking transitions.

Go Ahead Eagles are likely to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, a setup that allows them to maintain control in midfield while providing flexibility in attack. Melle Meulensteen and Yassir Salah Rahmouni anchor the midfield, offering both defensive resilience and creative support to the attack.

In attack, Milan Smit, as the leading forward with five goals this season, will aim to capitalise on any defensive lapses by AZ Alkmaar. Supported by the creative outlets of Kenzo Goudmijn and Mathis Suray, the Eagles will look to exploit spaces in transition.

Defensively, the team has struggled, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last five matches. The defensive line, led by Joris Kramer, will need to tighten up to withstand AZ Alkmaar’s offensive threats. Their focus will be on minimising errors and maintaining a compact shape to counter their recent vulnerabilities.

AZ Alkmaar vs Go Ahead Eagles Head-to-Head Record

AZ Alkmaar have dominated the head-to-head record against Go Ahead Eagles, winning 13 out of 17 encounters, while the Eagles have managed just two victories and three draws. The last time these two met in the Eredivisie, AZ Alkmaar secured a comfortable 3-0 win away from home in May 2025.

The last Eredivisie clash at the AFAS Stadion saw a thrilling 2-2 draw in October 2024. AZ Alkmaar have been particularly strong at home, consistently outscoring the Eagles, as seen in their 5-1 triumph in August 2023.

Home Team	Away Team	Final Score	League	Date
Go Ahead Eagles	AZ Alkmaar	0 – 3	Eredivisie	2025-05-04
AZ Alkmaar	Go Ahead Eagles	1 – 1 (Extra time: 0 – 0) (Penalties: 2 – 4)	KNVB Cup	2025-04-21
AZ Alkmaar	Go Ahead Eagles	2 – 2	Eredivisie	2024-10-27
Go Ahead Eagles	AZ Alkmaar	0 – 3	Eredivisie	2024-05-12
AZ Alkmaar	Go Ahead Eagles	5 – 1	Eredivisie	2023-08-13