MX23RW : Monday, November 4 22:01:47| >> :600:157411:157411:
[monks data]
AZ Alkmaar
Eredivisie | Gameweek 20
Feb 4, 2024 at 1.30pm UK
AFAS Stadion
Feyenoord

AZ
0 - 1
Feyenoord


Clasie (7'), de Wit (37')
FT(HT: 0-1)
Wieffer (6')
Gimenez (45+3')

Preview: AZ Alkmaar vs. Feyenoord - prediction, team news, lineups

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

Two of the Eredivisie's top teams will meet on Sunday as second-placed Feyenoord travel to face AZ Alkmaar, who currently sit fourth.

The visitors have a 12-point gap to try and claw back if they wish to win the league, meaning there is very little room for error between now and the end of the season.


Match preview

Vangelis Pavlidis in action for AZ Alkmaar on November 9, 2023© Reuters

While Alkmaar currently takes up a European place in the Eredivisie, they will need to step up their recent performance levels if they wish to retain that.

That is because they are without a win in their previous four matches in the league, placing some pressure on Maarten Martens to turn things around and ensure they do not drop further down the table.

Their most recent outing finished 2-2 against Heerenveen, and while that might have been a disappointing one on paper, Alkmaar will have taken some positives considering they spent the entire second half with just 10 men after Denso Kasius was sent off.

Despite that, they did rely upon an 88th-minute own goal to ensure that they walked away from that game with a point, and last-minute mistakes will be harder to find against Feyenoord.

Three points on Sunday does have the possibility of pushing Alkmaar into third place depending on other results, and that alone should provide all the incentive the team needs to try and get back to winning ways.

Feyenoord's Santiago Gimenez celebrates scoring their third goal on October 25, 2023© Reuters

However, the hosts will come up against stiff competition in Feyenoord as the visitors have only been beaten twice all season in the Eredivisie and are undefeated in their previous six in all competitions.

With only one win in their past three league outings, there have been some signs of frustration recently for Arne Slot's men, though, which was clear during their most recent performance.

Feyenoord were held to a goalless draw by FC Twente, despite the fact they registered 23 shots throughout the game, which is unlike them this season.

Having scored 52 goals in 19 league matches, finding the back of the net has not typically been a problem for the visitors, and it is a situation that Slot will want to see resolved immediately.

With 12 points between them and the current league leaders coupled with the fact that PSV Eindhoven have yet to lose a single game, there is very little room for error moving forward for Feyenoord, putting plenty of pressure on them each time they head onto the grass.

AZ Alkmaar Eredivisie form:


AZ Alkmaar form (all competitions):


Feyenoord Eredivisie form:


Feyenoord form (all competitions):



Team News

Feyenoord coach Arne Slot reacts on November 28, 2023© Reuters

There will be at least one change from the team that drew against Heerenveen this weekend for the hosts due to Kasius being suspended, which could open the door for Wouter Goes to start.

Alkmaar will also be without Mathew Ryan and Yukinari Sugawara who are participating in the Asian Cup, while Mayckel Lahdo, Sam Westerveld and Hobie Verhulst are also absent due to injuries.

With 19 goals in as many appearances this season, Santiago Gimenez will be leading the line for Feyenoord this weekend as he looks to ensure they do not go another game without finding the back of the net.

Naci Unuvar was used from the bench in their previous match, but the 20-year-old could be an option from the star if Slot wishes to add a little more youth into the team.


AZ Alkmaar possible starting lineup:
Owusu-Oduro; Goes, Martins Indi, Bazoer, Penetra; Belic, De Wit, Clasie; Lahdo, Pavlidis, Van Brederode

Feyenoord possible starting lineup:
Bijlow; Geertruida, Trauner, Hancko, Hartman; Wieffer, Timber; Dilrosun, Stengs, Paixao; Gimenez



SM words green background

We say: AZ Alkmaar 1-2 Feyenoord

This promises to be a closely contested fixture between two of the strongest teams in the division, which should lead to an entertaining game for neutrals.

While it could go either way when it comes to the quality of both teams, the recent poor form of AZ Alkmaar will likely tip it in favour of the visitors.



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




ID:535804:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect11834:

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: AZ vs Feyenoord

AZ Alkmaar
7.1%
Draw
21.4%
Feyenoord
71.4%
28
Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Feyenoord's Mats Wieffer (not pictured) celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates on November 28, 2023
Read Next:
Sunday's Eredivisie predictions including Feyenoord vs. FC Twente
>
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 EindhovenPSV1110013792830
2Ajax108112391425
3FC UtrechtUtrecht108111911825
4Feyenoord1164124121222
5FC Twente116322291321
6AZ AlkmaarAZ1152422121017
7Fortuna SittardSittard115241213-117
8Go Ahead Eagles114341519-415
9NAC BredaNAC Breda115061218-615
10NECNijmegen114161610613
11Willem II113351111012
12Heracles113351222-1012
13Sparta RotterdamSparta112541217-511
14Heerenveen113261223-1111
15Groningen112361119-89
16PEC Zwolle112361121-109
17Almere CityAlmere City11137523-186
18RKC WaalwijkRKC Waalwijk111191028-184


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!