AZ Alkmaar will host Excelsior in Alkmaar and the Zaan district on matchday 21 of 34 in the Eredivisie. The venue: AFAS Stadion, kick-off: 20:00 GMT, date: 10/02/2023.
Bookmaker Ratings Prediction One: 1st half outcome: AZ Alkmaar to win — 1.62
Bookmaker Ratings Prediction Two: 1st half Total goals: Over 1.5 — 2.07
Bookmaker Ratings Prediction Three: AZ Alkmaar to win both halves: YES — 2.28
AZ Alkmaar may have failed to win their last two Eredivisie matches, but they remain a superb team in the Netherlands and there’s a huge chance they will bounce back to winning ways against Excelsior.
Although AZ Alkmaar’s last game ended blank in the first half, their next Eredivisie game is likely to produce at least two goals before the first half whistle. AZ Alkmaar’s last home game produced over 1.5 goals in a ten-goal thriller against Utrecht.
Because AZ Alkmaar are a superb team and playing at home, there’s a belief that they will win both halves against Excelsior, who have struggled this season.
AZ haven’t won in their last two Eredivisie games but they didn’t lose any either. They will look to bounce back to winning ways in the midweek against Utrecht in the KNVB Cup in order to have the right mindset against Excelsior. AZ Alkmaar have drawn two and won three of their last Eredivisie games, hence they occupy the 2nd position with 41 points after 20 games.
Excelsior have lost three of their last four matches across all competitions. They are not in their best shape and have struggled in recent weeks. Excelsior were smashed 4-1 at home to Ajax last weekend. Because they have lacked consistency this season, Excelsior occupy the 14th position with 20 points after 20 games, which leaves them battling against relegation.
AZ Alkmaar are too much for Excelsior and will relish exerting their dominance over the relegation-threatened side this weekend. It would raised many eyebrows if AZ failed to get the win.
Because there’s a chance AZ Alkmaar could win both halves, Excelsior could be about to lose by a two-goal margin.
AZ Alkmaar are the favourites to win this game at ease, thanks to Excelsior’s dreadful form.
Goalkeeper: Ryan
Defenders: Kerkez, Hatzidiakos, Goes, Sugawara
Midfielders: Clasie, Reijnders, Karlsson
Forwards: Brederode, Pavlidis, Odgaard
Goalkeeper: Van Gassel
Defenders: Horemans, Nieuwpoort, El Yaakoubi, Tjoe-A-On
Midfielders: Koopmeiners, Goudmijn, Azarkan
Forwards: Driouech, Kharchouch, Lamprou
This match will be played at AFAS Stadion (Alkmaar)
The starting whistle will sound on February 10th, 2023. 20:00 UTC.