• AZ Alkmaar has won 6 matches.
• FC Utrecht has managed to win 2 matches.
• 2 matches have ended in a draw.

One of the key factors in these encounters has been AZ Alkmaar’s ability to control possession and dictate the tempo of the game. Their midfield dominance has consistently thwarted FC Utrecht’s attempts to play on the counter-attack.

AZ Alkmaar’s Home Advantage

AZ Alkmaar has proven to be a formidable force at home. In their last five home games against FC Utrecht, AZ has won 4 times, showcasing their strength in front of their fans. The AFAS Stadion has been somewhat of a fortress, and FC Utrecht often struggles to break down AZ’s solid defensive unit on away turf.

Goals Scored in Recent Matches

When it comes to goals, the matches between AZ Alkmaar and FC Utrecht are rarely dull affairs. Over the last five meetings:

• AZ Alkmaar has scored a total of 14 goals.
• FC Utrecht has managed to score 7 goals.

This shows that both teams are capable of finding the back of the net, but AZ Alkmaar’s offensive unit, led by players such as Vangelis Pavlidis and Dani de Wit, often has the upper hand.

Prediction for the Upcoming Match

Form and Recent Performances

AZ Alkmaar comes into this fixture in a strong run of form, with their last few performances in the Eredivisie being impressive. The team’s fluid attacking style, combined with their solid defensive structure, makes them the favorites to win this encounter. FC Utrecht, on the other hand, has had an inconsistent season so far, with some matches showcasing their potential while others have highlighted their vulnerabilities.

Key Players to Watch

• Vangelis Pavlidis (AZ Alkmaar): The Greek forward has been in sensational form, scoring goals consistently and being a constant threat in the attacking third.
• Dani de Wit (AZ Alkmaar): A crucial player in midfield, de Wit’s ability to control the tempo of the game and make late runs into the box will be pivotal for AZ.
• Anastasios Douvikas (FC Utrecht): Utrecht’s leading goal scorer, Douvikas will need to be at his best to trouble AZ’s defense.
• Sander van de Streek (FC Utrecht): His versatility and creativity in midfield will be key for FC Utrecht as they look to break down AZ’s defense.

Tactical Battle

The match will likely be decided in midfield, where AZ Alkmaar’s passing game and FC Utrecht’s pressing style will clash. AZ’s ability to retain possession and transition quickly into attack could cause problems for FC Utrecht, whose defense has been shaky in recent weeks.

Score Prediction

Considering AZ Alkmaar’s home advantage and current form, we predict a 2-1 victory for AZ Alkmaar. While FC Utrecht is more than capable of scoring, AZ’s attacking prowess and defensive organization should see them come out on top.

Probable Lineups

AZ Alkmaar Predicted Lineup:

• Goalkeeper: Mathew Ryan
• Defense: Yukinari Sugawara, Sam Beukema, Pantelis Hatzidiakos, Milos Kerkez
• Midfield: Jordy Clasie, Dani de Wit, Tijjani Reijnders
• Attack: Jens Odgaard, Vangelis Pavlidis, Jesper Karlsson

AZ will likely stick with their traditional 4-3-3 formation, utilizing the pace and technical ability of Karlsson and Pavlidis in attack, while relying on Clasie to provide defensive cover in midfield.

FC Utrecht Predicted Lineup:

• Goalkeeper: Vasilis Barkas
• Defense: Mark van der Maarel, Mike van der Hoorn, Modibo Sagnan, Django Warmerdam
• Midfield: Sander van de Streek, Othmane Boussaid, Taylor Booth
• Attack: Anastasios Douvikas, Bas Dost, Othmane Boussaid

FC Utrecht is expected to play in a 4-4-2 formation, with Douvikas and Dost leading the attack. The midfield battle will be crucial, and van de Streek will need to control the tempo to keep Utrecht in the game.

Key Statistics to Consider

• AZ Alkmaar has won 70% of their home games against FC Utrecht in the last five years.
• FC Utrecht has failed to score in 3 of their last 5 away games against AZ.
• AZ Alkmaar has averaged 2.5 goals per game in their last five matches.
• FC Utrecht has conceded 1.8 goals per game in their last five away matches.

Final Thoughts

The matchup between AZ Alkmaar and FC Utrecht promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams having much to play for. While AZ Alkmaar has the upper hand in terms of recent form and home advantage, FC Utrecht cannot be written off. Their attack, spearheaded by Douvikas and Boussaid, is capable of causing an upset, but they will need to be at their very best to overcome an AZ side brimming with confidence.