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

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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.