MX23RW : Wednesday, December 25 06:22:48| >> :600:425563:425563:
[monks data]
Go Ahead Eagles
Eredivisie | Gameweek 33
May 12, 2024 at 1.30pm UK
De Adelaarshorst
AZ Alkmaar

Go Ahead Eagles
0 - 3
AZ

FT(HT: 0-2)
Sadiq (39'), Mijnans (45+3'), van Brederode (77')

Preview: Go Ahead Eagles vs. AZ Alkmaar - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Sunday's Eredivisie clash between Go Ahead Eagles and AZ Alkmaar, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Two teams battling to secure European football in the Eredivisie will meet on Sunday as Go Ahead Eagles hosts AZ Alkmaar.

While they are fighting to be involved in different competitions, they are both going down to the wire to secure them.


Match preview

Go Ahead Eagles have had a difficult finish to the season, which has seen them drop down the table, leading to them having to fight in the final two games to secure European football.

While it remains in their hands at the moment, they are clinging onto eighth place by goal difference only, with Sparta Rotterdam putting pressure on them, which means there is no room for error.

Danny Buijs will need to push more from his team this weekend to turn their fortunes around, as his men head into this game on the back of a five-game run without a win.

Their most recent outing was a goalless draw against Fortuna Sittard, and an inability to convert chances has been a problem during this run as they have failed to score more than once across those five performances.

Go Ahead Eagles will also remember their earlier meeting with AZ Alkmaar, which saw them thrashed 5-1, a result the fans will want them to avenge.

AZ Alkmaar players pose for a team group photo before the match on October 26, 2023© Reuters

A repeat performance would be ideal for the visitors to keep FC Twente under pressure ahead of the season's final game.

There are currently two points between the teams, with AZ Alkmaar in fourth place. Considering Champions League football could be earned, there is no shortage of incentives for the team.

Maarten Martens' men defeated FC Twente in their most recent outing, which was crucial in their quest to finish third. The priority will be continuing that momentum for the season's final two games.

AZ Alkmaar have now won three consecutive matches heading into this weekend, and while they have been slightly weaker on the road this season, the confidence gained from those results will be necessary.

While finishing third is technically out of their hands, Martens will want to ensure his team is ready to pounce on any opportunity given.

Go Ahead Eagles Eredivisie form:

AZ Alkmaar Eredivisie form:


Team News

Aston Villa's Leon Bailey in action with AZ Alkmaar's David Wolfe on November 9, 2023© Reuters

It is unlikely the hosts will make any defensive changes this weekend, as they head into the game having kept a clean sheet.

Kaj Sierhuis will be expected to lead the line as a lone striker at the other end of the field.

The visitors have been dealing with some injury issues lately, with Bruno Martins Indi and Lequincio Zeefuik both dealing with problems.

Sam Westerveld has been unavailable lately because of a knee injury, while Mayckel Lahdo has not featured since February.


Go Ahead Eagles possible starting lineup:
Lange; Deijl, Nauber, Kramer, Kuipers; Linthorst, Llansana; Adekanye, Willumsson, O. Edvardsen; V. Edvardsen

AZ Alkmaar possible starting lineup:
Raya; Sugawara, Goes, Bazoer, Wolfe; Dantas, Kwakman; Mijnans, De Wit, Van Bommel; Pavlidis



SM words green background

We say: Go Ahead Eagles 1-2 AZ Alkmaar

Go Ahead Eagles have hit a poor patch of form at the wrong time in the season and turning that around in a game of this magnitude will be tough.

AZ Alkmaar are looking to earn a third-place finish and given their recent strong form, there is a good chance they will go one step closer this weekend.



For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.




ID:543349:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect8648:
Written by
Matthew Wilkinson

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


Game History

How you voted: Go Ahead Eagles vs AZ

Go Ahead Eagles
15.8%
Draw
21.1%
AZ Alkmaar
63.2%
19
Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
PSV Eindhoven's Luuk de Jong celebrates scoring their first goal on February 20, 2024
Read Next:
Thursday's Eredivisie predictions including Heerenveen vs. PSV
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1PSV EindhovenPSV17150259134645
2Ajax17123237162139
3FC UtrechtUtrecht1711333428636
4Feyenoord17105240211935
5AZ AlkmaarAZ17102531171432
6FC Twente1794432211131
7Go Ahead Eagles177463027325
8Fortuna SittardSittard177462525025
9Willem II176472119222
10NAC BredaNAC Breda177191927-822
11Heerenveen176381731-1421
12NECNijmegen1752102324-117
13PEC Zwolle174581626-1017
14Groningen164481426-1216
15Heracles163581833-1514
16Sparta RotterdamSparta172691426-1212
17Almere CityAlmere City1723121037-279
18RKC WaalwijkRKC Waalwijk1714121841-237


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!