AZ Alkmaar vs NEC Nijmegen Prediction, Match Preview, Saturday, 31 January

AZ Alkmaar vs NEC Nijmegen Prediction, Match Preview, Saturday, 31 January. As we look forward to this Eredivisie clash, AZ Alkmaar will host NEC Nijmegen at the AFAS Stadion. This match is set to kick off at 16:30 and promises to be an intriguing encounter between two Dutch sides with different ambitions this season.

AZ Alkmaar, renowned for their strong home performances, will be eager to secure all three points to consolidate their position in the league standings. Meanwhile, NEC Nijmegen will look to upset the odds and climb the Eredivisie table. With both teams determined to make their mark, this fixture at the AFAS Stadion could have significant implications for their respective campaigns.

AZ Alkmaar vs NEC Nijmegen Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Both Teams to Score (BTTS) – Yes	1.6

Given both sides’ attacking strengths and defensive vulnerabilities, backing Both Teams to Score (BTTS) is the standout option for this match. AZ Alkmaar’s notable absences in defence and midfield, combined with NEC Nijmegen’s consistent ability to find the net on their travels, make this a solid bet.

• AZ Alkmaar’s recent defensive struggles have been exacerbated by injuries, making them likely to concede.
• NEC Nijmegen have scored in 80% of their away matches this season, showing they can breach AZ’s defence.
• The last three encounters between these teams have seen both sides score, indicating a trend for BTTS.

Betting Odds

AZ Alkmaar step onto their home turf as favourites with odds of 1.77, reflecting their strong form in the Eredivisie. NEC Nijmegen, however, should not be underestimated, with odds of 3.89 suggesting they could spring a surprise.

Betting Tip	Odds
AZ Alkmaar to win	1.77
Draw	4.05
NEC Nijmegen to win	3.89

The draw is priced at 4.05, indicating that while AZ Alkmaar are expected to dominate, a stalemate is not out of the question. Punters may find value in backing a high-scoring encounter, given both teams’ attacking capabilities.

AZ Alkmaar Analysis & Past Performance

AZ Alkmaar have displayed impressive form recently, registering three wins in their last five matches across all competitions, including a commanding 6-0 victory over Ajax in the KNVB Cup. Their recent performances have been characterised by a potent attack, with the team averaging 2.00 goals per match in their last five fixtures.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Telstar	AZ Alkmaar	0 – 1 (Win)	Eredivisie	25 Jan 2026
AZ Alkmaar	Excelsior	1 – 1 (Draw)	Eredivisie	21 Jan 2026
PEC Zwolle	AZ Alkmaar	3 – 1 (Loss)	Eredivisie	17 Jan 2026
AZ Alkmaar	Ajax	6 – 0 (Win)	KNVB Cup	14 Jan 2026
AZ Alkmaar	FC Volendam	1 – 0 (Win)	Eredivisie	10 Jan 2026

Recent Form:
AZ Alkmaar’s defence has been relatively solid, conceding just 4 goals in their last five games and securing 3 clean sheets. At home, they have been particularly resilient, remaining unbeaten with two wins and three draws in their last five home encounters. This defensive robustness has been pivotal to their recent success.

The team currently sits 5th in the Eredivisie standings with 32 points, reflecting a win ratio of 0.60 in their last ten games. Troy Parrott has been a key figure in their attacking setup, leading as the top scorer with 10 goals this season. However, maintaining consistency will be crucial as they face stronger opponents in upcoming fixtures.

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AZ Alkmaar Suspensions & Injuries

AZ Alkmaar face a challenging situation with several key players unavailable due to injuries. Jordy Clasie and Mexx Meerdink are both doubtful, which puts their participation in question and could significantly impact the team’s midfield dynamics. Clasie, in particular, is a crucial figure in orchestrating play from deep positions, and his absence may force AZ Alkmaar to rely more heavily on less experienced players like Peer Koopmeiners to fill the gap.

The absence of Denso Kasius and Sven Mijnans due to ankle and hamstring injuries, respectively, is expected to last until mid-February 2026. These injuries mean AZ Alkmaar will need to make tactical adjustments in both defensive and attacking transitions. Without Kasius, the defence may lack some speed and agility, while Mijnans’ creativity will be missed in breaking down opposition defences.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Jordy Clasie	Overload	Doubtful
Mexx Meerdink	Groin injury	Doubtful
Denso Kasius	Ankle injury	Mid February 2026
Sven Mijnans	Hamstring injury	Mid February 2026

The lack of suspensions provides a small silver lining for AZ Alkmaar, allowing them to focus on adjusting their tactics without worrying about disciplinary issues. However, the depth of the squad will be tested, and their performance against NEC Nijmegen will depend heavily on how well the replacements adapt to their roles.

With these injury concerns, AZ Alkmaar’s tactical setup may shift towards a more conservative approach, relying on solid defensive organisation and quick counter-attacks to mitigate the absence of their key players. Betting markets might see these absences as a factor, potentially affecting odds in favour of NEC Nijmegen, especially given the uncertainty surrounding Clasie’s and Meerdink’s participation.

AZ Alkmaar Key Players

Troy Parrott, AZ Alkmaar’s top scorer with 10 goals, is pivotal in their attacking line-up. His sharp finishing and ability to find space make him a constant threat to opposition defences. Parrott’s knack for being in the right place at the right time complements the creative input from midfield, particularly from Peer Koopmeiners, who orchestrates play with his vision and passing accuracy.

In midfield, Matej Šin and Kasper Boogaard offer a blend of defensive solidity and attacking support. Šin’s ability to break up opposition play and Boogaard’s forward runs add dynamism to AZ’s midfield. At the back, Wouter Goes and Alexandre Penetra form a resolute central defensive partnership, crucial in maintaining the team’s defensive stability.

Expected line-up for AZ Alkmaar

• Goalkeeper: Jeroen Zoet
• Defence: Elijah Dijkstra, Wouter Goes, Alexandre Penetra, Mees de Wit
• Midfield: Peer Koopmeiners, Matej Šin, Kasper Boogaard
• Forward: Weslley Patati, Troy Parrott, Ro-Zangelo Daal

These key players are integral to AZ Alkmaar’s tactical approach, with Parrott’s goal-scoring prowess and Koopmeiners’ playmaking abilities setting the tone. The synergy between these players creates a balanced team capable of both solid defence and potent attack, making AZ a formidable opponent.

AZ Alkmaar Tactics and Formation

AZ Alkmaar Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Troy Parrott
• Midfield Pivot: Peer Koopmeiners and Kasper Boogaard
• Defensive Strength: Three clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High pressing and quick counter-attacks.

AZ Alkmaar typically employ a 4-2-3-1 formation, which provides a balance between offensive potency and defensive resilience. In midfield, Peer Koopmeiners and Kasper Boogaard are pivotal, offering both defensive cover and creative outlets. This duo’s ability to transition quickly from defence to attack allows AZ to exploit spaces effectively.

Defensively, the backline features Elijah Dijkstra and Wouter Goes, who have been instrumental in achieving three clean sheets in the last five matches. Their ability to maintain a compact shape and initiate play from the back is crucial to AZ’s tactical approach.

Offensively, AZ focus on high pressing and rapid counter-attacks. Troy Parrott, as the focal point of the attack, thrives on service from wingers like Weslley Patati and Ro-Zangelo Daal. This strategy has been effective, as evidenced by their impressive goal-scoring form, averaging two goals per game recently.

NEC Nijmegen Analysis & Past Performance

NEC Nijmegen have demonstrated a commendable run of form, remaining unbeaten in their last five matches across all competitions. This includes victories over NAC Breda (4-3) and PEC Zwolle (2-1), highlighting their resilience and attacking prowess.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
NEC Nijmegen	PEC Zwolle	2 – 1 (Win)	Eredivisie	24 Jan 2026
De Treffers	NEC Nijmegen	1 – 2 (Win)	KNVB Cup	20 Jan 2026
NAC Breda	NEC Nijmegen	3 – 4 (Win)	Eredivisie	17 Jan 2026
NEC Nijmegen	Ajax	2 – 2 (Draw)	Eredivisie	20 Dec 2025
AFC	NEC Nijmegen	1 – 3 (Win)	KNVB Cup	16 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

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NEC Nijmegen’s attack has been prolific, averaging 2.60 goals per game over their last five outings. They’ve consistently found the back of the net in every match, underscoring their offensive strength. However, their defensive record reveals vulnerabilities, as they’ve conceded an average of 1.60 goals per game, failing to secure any clean sheets in this span. NEC’s ability to both score and concede points to an exciting but unpredictable style of play, which could be pivotal in their upcoming fixtures.

NEC Nijmegen Suspensions & Injuries

NEC Nijmegen face a challenging fixture against AZ Alkmaar with key players unavailable due to injuries. The absence of Bram Nuytinck and Freek Entius, both sidelined with knee injuries, poses significant challenges, particularly in defensive solidity and midfield depth. Their doubtful return status means NEC may have to adapt their usual formation. Youssef El Kachati’s wrist injury further complicates matters in the attacking department, reducing options for NEC up front.

Darko Nejašmić’s injury, with an expected return in mid-February, adds to NEC’s midfield woes. His absence could force the team to rely on less experienced players, potentially affecting their ability to control the game’s tempo against a formidable AZ Alkmaar side. This lack of depth may see players like Sami Ouaissa and Basar Onal taking on more significant roles in the midfield to fill the gap left by these injuries.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Bram Nuytinck	Knee injury	Doubtful
Freek Entius	Knee injury	Doubtful
Youssef El Kachati	Wrist injury	Doubtful
Darko Nejašmić	Unknown	Mid February 2026

With no suspensions impacting the squad, NEC Nijmegen’s coach, Dick Schreuder, will likely need to make tactical adjustments to compensate for these key injuries. Shifting to a more defensive setup could be a strategic move, focusing on counter-attacks to exploit any weaknesses in AZ Alkmaar’s defence. This approach might influence betting markets, with NEC seen as underdogs due to their depleted squad, potentially offering value for those looking to back a surprise result.

NEC Nijmegen Key Players

Leading NEC Nijmegen’s attack is Koki Ogawa, the team’s top scorer with 7 goals this season. Ogawa’s clinical finishing and intelligent positioning make him a constant threat in the opposition’s penalty area. His ability to find space and convert chances will be pivotal against AZ Alkmaar’s defence. Partnering him up front is Brian Linssen, whose experience and knack for finding the back of the net add depth to Nijmegen’s attacking prowess.

In midfield, Tjaronn Chery stands out as a key playmaker. His vision and passing accuracy can unlock defences, providing crucial service to the forwards. The midfield trio, including Sami Ouaissa and Kodai Sano, will be essential in controlling the tempo of the game and distributing the ball effectively. Defensively, Philippe Sandler anchors the backline, bringing both strength and composure, which is critical in thwarting AZ Alkmaar’s attacking moves.

Expected line-up for NEC Nijmegen

• Goalkeeper: Gonzalo Crettaz
• Defence: Eli Dasa, Philippe Sandler, Ahmetcan Kaplan
• Midfield: Sami Ouaissa, Noé Lebreton, Kodai Sano, Basar Onal, Tjaronn Chery
• Forward: Koki Ogawa, Brian Linssen

NEC Nijmegen Tactics and Formation

NEC Nijmegen Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Unspecified recent formation
• Key Forward: Koki Ogawa
• Midfield Engine: Tjaronn Chery
• Defensive Concerns: No clean sheets in recent matches
• Notable Strategy: Strength in offensive transitions and set-pieces.

NEC Nijmegen, under Dick Schreuder, have demonstrated flexibility in their tactical setup, often adapting based on the opposition. With injuries to key players such as Youssef El Kachati and Bram Nuytinck, NEC may need to adjust their defensive strategies, potentially impacting their ability to maintain a solid backline.

Offensively, NEC rely heavily on Koki Ogawa, their top scorer, to lead the attack. Supported by Tjaronn Chery’s creativity in midfield, the team focus on quick transitions and exploiting set-pieces, which has proven effective given their consistent scoring.

Defensively, NEC face challenges, having not kept a clean sheet in recent fixtures. The absence of experienced defenders like Bram Nuytinck could further test their defensive resilience. This vulnerability may require NEC to prioritise defensive solidity in their strategy against AZ Alkmaar.

AZ Alkmaar vs NEC Nijmegen Head-to-Head Record

AZ Alkmaar and NEC Nijmegen have faced off 47 times, with AZ leading the head-to-head record with 22 wins to NEC’s 10, and 15 matches ending in draws. Their last meeting saw NEC triumph 2-1 at home in the Eredivisie, showing they are capable of springing a surprise against AZ.

When AZ last hosted NEC, they secured a narrow 1-0 victory in August 2024, continuing their strong home form in this fixture. Historically, AZ have been dominant at the AFAS Stadion, which could be a key factor in this upcoming clash.

Home Team	Away Team	Score	Competition	Date
NEC Nijmegen	AZ Alkmaar	2 – 1	Eredivisie	28/09/2025
NEC Nijmegen	AZ Alkmaar	3 – 3	Eredivisie	29/03/2025
AZ Alkmaar	NEC Nijmegen	1 – 0	Eredivisie	17/08/2024
NEC Nijmegen	AZ Alkmaar	0 – 3	Eredivisie	28/04/2024
AZ Alkmaar	NEC Nijmegen	1 – 2	Eredivisie	06/12/2023