PEC Zwolle vs AZ Alkmaar Prediction, Match Preview, Saturday, 17 January

PEC Zwolle vs AZ Alkmaar Prediction, Match Preview, Saturday, 17 January. As we look forward to this Eredivisie clash, both teams will be eager to make their mark at the MAC3PARK Stadion. PEC Zwolle, playing at home, will aim to leverage their familiar surroundings to challenge the visiting AZ Alkmaar, who have been in solid form this season.

This match holds significance in the Eredivisie standings, with AZ Alkmaar looking to strengthen their position near the top of the table. Meanwhile, PEC Zwolle will be keen to secure valuable points to climb the league ladder. The encounter promises to be a competitive affair, with both sides having plenty to play for in this early-year fixture.

PEC Zwolle vs AZ Alkmaar Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Both Teams to Score (BTTS) – Yes	1.85

Given the attacking prowess both teams have displayed and their history of competitive matches, our recommended betting tip is BTTS – Yes. PEC Zwolle’s recent form against AZ Alkmaar, coupled with AZ Alkmaar’s overall strong offensive record, suggests both teams are likely to find the net.

• PEC Zwolle’s last two victories over AZ Alkmaar demonstrate their ability to score against them.
• AZ Alkmaar has scored in the 31-45 minute interval in most of their matches this season, maintaining a strong offensive presence.
• More than 2.5 goals have been scored in 71% of AZ Alkmaar’s matches this season, indicating a high probability of goals.

Betting Odds

In this Eredivisie clash, AZ Alkmaar are the clear favourites with betting odds reflecting their strong form. PEC Zwolle, playing at home, are seen as the underdogs, but their odds offer a tempting return for those backing an upset.

Betting Tip	Odds
PEC Zwolle to win	5.23
Draw	4.39
AZ Alkmaar to win	1.54

The match odds suggest a likely victory for AZ Alkmaar, but with PEC Zwolle’s potential to surprise, punters might find value in the draw market or exploring the over 2.5 goals option, given both teams’ attacking capabilities.

PEC Zwolle Analysis & Past Performance

PEC Zwolle’s recent form has been inconsistent, reflecting a challenging period with only one win in their last five Eredivisie matches. Their last outing ended in a 1-1 draw against FC Twente, where they struggled defensively, conceding 26 shots while managing only three themselves.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Twente	PEC Zwolle	1 – 1 (Draw)	Eredivisie	10 Jan 2026
Excelsior	PEC Zwolle	2 – 1 (Loss)	Eredivisie	20 Dec 2025
PEC Zwolle	Fortuna Sittard	1 – 0 (Win)	Eredivisie	13 Dec 2025
Feyenoord	PEC Zwolle	6 – 1 (Loss)	Eredivisie	6 Dec 2025
PEC Zwolle	AZ Alkmaar	1 – 3 (Loss)	KNVB Cup	3 Dec 2025

Performance Analysis:
Over the last five games, PEC Zwolle have averaged 1.00 goals scored and 2.40 goals conceded per match, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities. Despite these challenges, they have managed to score in all five matches, indicating a resilient attacking line led by their top scorer, Koen Kostons, who has netted eight goals this season.

Team Statistics:
At home, PEC Zwolle’s performance has been somewhat better, securing three wins out of their last five, with a win ratio of 0.60. However, they have only managed one clean sheet in this period, underlining defensive issues. Overall, their win ratio stands at 0.20, positioning them 13th in the Eredivisie standings with 20 points.

Strengths and Weaknesses:

• DLWLL

The team’s ability to score consistently is a positive aspect, with a 0.80 both-teams-scored ratio in their last ten matches. Nevertheless, the defence remains a concern, having conceded 24 goals in the same span, which needs addressing to improve their league standing and competitiveness.

PEC Zwolle Suspensions & Injuries

PEC Zwolle face a challenging situation with key players such as Odysseus Velanas and Jasper Schendelaar doubtful due to ankle and hip injuries respectively. Their potential absence could significantly impact PEC Zwolle’s tactical setup, particularly in the midfield and goalkeeping departments. Velanas has been influential in linking play and his creativity will be missed. Schendelaar’s absence leaves a gap in goal, though Tom de Graaff is expected to step up in his place.

The unavailability of Samir Lagsir and David Voute, alongside Velanas and Schendelaar, further stretches PEC Zwolle’s squad depth. Lagsir’s energy in midfield has been a crucial aspect of their play, and Voute’s defensive contributions will be hard to replace. These injuries necessitate tactical adjustments from coach Henry van der Vegt, who may rely on the versatility of players like Ryan Thomas and Thijs Oosting to fill these voids.

Given these injuries, PEC Zwolle might consider altering their formation to mitigate the absence of these key players. A more conservative approach might be adopted to ensure defensive solidity, while relying on counter-attacks to exploit AZ Alkmaar’s defensive vulnerabilities. The lack of squad depth could influence the betting markets, possibly skewing odds against PEC Zwolle in this encounter.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Odysseus Velanas	Ankle injury	Doubtful
Jasper Schendelaar	Hip injury	Doubtful

PEC Zwolle Key Players

Koen Kostons stands out as PEC Zwolle’s top scorer, having netted eight goals this season. His ability to find space and execute precise finishes makes him a constant threat in the final third. Kostons’ presence will be pivotal as he spearheads the attack, looking to exploit any gaps in AZ Alkmaar’s defence.

In midfield, Ryan Thomas is the playmaker to watch. His vision and passing range allow him to orchestrate play and link up effectively with the forwards. Alongside Thomas, Zico Buurmeester’s work rate and ability to disrupt opposition play provide balance and ensure PEC Zwolle maintain control in the midfield battle.

Expected lineup for PEC Zwolle

Defensively, Simon Graves Jensen and Anselmo García MacNulty form a solid centre-back partnership. Their understanding and aerial prowess are crucial in thwarting AZ Alkmaar’s attacking threats. On the flanks, Sherel Floranus contributes both defensively and offensively, providing width and supporting the attack. The combination of these key players defines PEC Zwolle’s tactical setup, focusing on a balanced approach that leverages their strengths across the pitch.

PEC Zwolle Tactics and Formation

PEC Zwolle Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Koen Kostons
• Midfield Pivot: Ryan Thomas and Zico Buurmeester
• Defensive Record: One clean sheet in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on counter-attacks and set-piece opportunities.

PEC Zwolle’s typical 4-2-3-1 formation allows them to maintain a compact defensive shape while being poised to exploit counter-attacking opportunities. Ryan Thomas and Zico Buurmeester form the midfield pivot, tasked with breaking up opposition play and launching quick transitions. The attacking trio behind Koen Kostons, including Shola Shoretire and Kaj de Rooij, is expected to support the forward with creativity and pace.

Defensively, the backline featuring Tristan Gooijer and Simon Graves aims to provide solidity, although they have struggled to keep clean sheets, managing only one in their last five matches. This highlights a vulnerability in dealing with sustained pressure, particularly against teams with high shot volumes.

Offensively, PEC Zwolle are likely to rely on the pace and movement of Koen Kostons, their top scorer, to convert chances. Their strategy often involves capitalising on set-pieces and counter-attacks, where they can utilise the speed of their wingers and the forward’s finishing ability.

AZ Alkmaar Analysis & Past Performance

AZ Alkmaar have displayed commendable form recently, securing three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five matches across all competitions. Noteworthy performances include a decisive 6-0 victory against Ajax in the KNVB Cup and a 1-0 win over FC Volendam in the Eredivisie.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
AZ Alkmaar	Ajax	6 – 0 (Win)	KNVB Cup	14 Jan, 2026
AZ Alkmaar	FC Volendam	1 – 0 (Win)	Eredivisie	10 Jan, 2026
Fortuna Sittard	AZ Alkmaar	4 – 3 (Loss)	Eredivisie	21 Dec, 2025
AZ Alkmaar	Jagiellonia Bialystok	0 – 0 (Draw)	Conference League	18 Dec, 2025
Drita	AZ Alkmaar	0 – 3 (Win)	Conference League	11 Dec, 2025

Recent Form:

• WWLDW

AZ Alkmaar’s offensive line has been effective, with an average of 2.60 goals scored per match in their recent outings. Defensively, they have been solid, conceding only 0.80 goals per game and achieving four clean sheets in their last five fixtures. However, their away performance is less stable, with two wins and three losses, highlighting potential vulnerabilities on the road. They currently stand 5th in the Eredivisie with 28 points, reflecting a competitive yet fluctuating campaign.

AZ Alkmaar Suspensions & Injuries

AZ Alkmaar face a challenging situation with the unavailability of key players such as Jordy Clasie and Mexx Meerdink, both marked as doubtful for the upcoming match against PEC Zwolle. Clasie’s absence in midfield could disrupt the team’s control and distribution, forcing coach Maarten Martens to rely heavily on Peer Koopmeiners and Kees Smit to maintain stability. Meanwhile, Meerdink’s groin injury leaves a gap up front, potentially impacting their attacking options.

Furthermore, Denso Kasius, suffering from an ankle injury, is not expected back until mid-February 2026, posing a challenge for the team’s defensive depth. In his absence, the backline will need to rely on the likes of Mees de Wit and Wouter Goes to step up and provide solidity.

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

The absence of these players may lead to tactical adjustments, possibly requiring AZ Alkmaar to adopt a more conservative approach to mitigate the impact of these injuries. This could influence betting markets, with potential for a less aggressive game strategy from AZ Alkmaar, affecting their goal-scoring capability and overall match dynamics.

AZ Alkmaar Key Players

AZ Alkmaar’s attacking prowess is spearheaded by their top scorer Jizz Hornkamp, who has already netted ten goals this season. His clinical finishing and ability to exploit defensive gaps make him a constant threat in the final third. As a forward, Hornkamp’s role is pivotal in converting chances into goals, and his movement off the ball can create space for his teammates.

Supporting Hornkamp in attack are Weslley Patati and Troy Parrott, both of whom bring pace and creativity to the flanks. Parrott’s ability to cut inside and Patati’s crossing skills provide AZ Alkmaar with diverse attacking options. In midfield, Peer Koopmeiners stands out as a key playmaker, orchestrating play with his vision and passing accuracy. Defensively, Wouter Goes and Alexandre Penetra form a solid partnership, crucial for maintaining stability at the back.

Expected lineup for AZ Alkmaar:

• Goalkeeper: Rome Jayden Owusu-Oduro
• Defence: Mees de Wit, Wouter Goes, Alexandre Penetra, Mateo Chavez
• Midfield: Sven Mijnans, Peer Koopmeiners, Kees Smit
• Forward: Weslley Patati, Troy Parrott, Isak Jensen

AZ Alkmaar Tactics and Formation

AZ Alkmaar Tactical Breakdown:

• Recent Formation: 4-5-1
• Key Forward: Troy Parrott
• Midfield Core: Peer Koopmeiners and Kees Smit
• Defensive Strength: Four clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High pressing and quick transitions.

In their recent outings, AZ Alkmaar have effectively utilised a 4-5-1 formation, providing a sturdy defensive framework while maintaining midfield dominance. Peer Koopmeiners and Kees Smit are pivotal in the midfield, ensuring a balance between defensive coverage and initiating attacks. This setup allows AZ Alkmaar to control the game tempo and transition swiftly from defence to attack.

Defensively, the backline comprising Mees de Wit, Wouter Goes, Alexandre Penetra, and Mateo Chavez has been instrumental in maintaining a solid defensive record, with four clean sheets in the last five matches. Their ability to thwart opposition attacks and maintain composure under pressure has been a significant factor in their recent defensive success.

Offensively, the team relies heavily on Troy Parrott, their lone striker, to capitalise on chances created by the midfield. AZ Alkmaar’s high pressing style and quick transitions have proven effective, particularly in exploiting defensive lapses and creating scoring opportunities.

PEC Zwolle vs AZ Alkmaar Head-to-Head Record

In their head-to-head record, AZ Alkmaar have dominated PEC Zwolle with 19 wins compared to Zwolle’s five, and there have been ten draws. The last encounter saw AZ Alkmaar triumph 3-1 in the KNVB Cup, showcasing their strength even in cup competitions.

Their most recent Eredivisie clash ended in a 2-2 draw, highlighting that while AZ Alkmaar often come out on top, Zwolle can still pose a challenge. The last time PEC Zwolle hosted AZ Alkmaar in the league, it ended in a narrow 2-1 victory for the visitors, indicating a tough battle ahead at the MAC3PARK Stadion.

Home Team	Away Team	Score	Competition	Date
PEC Zwolle	AZ Alkmaar	1 – 3	KNVB Cup	2025-12-03
AZ Alkmaar	PEC Zwolle	2 – 2	Eredivisie	2025-09-24
AZ Alkmaar	PEC Zwolle	2 – 0	Eredivisie	2025-02-09
PEC Zwolle	AZ Alkmaar	1 – 2	Eredivisie	2024-09-20
AZ Alkmaar	PEC Zwolle	2 – 2	Eredivisie	2024-01-20