With European qualification in their sights, AZ Alkmaar will travel to take on Willem II at Koning Willem II Stadion as part of Sunday's Eredivisie action.
The Tricolores are still waiting for their first win of 2025, while De Kaasboeren will be looking to get back on track domestically after progressing in the Europa League in midweek.
Match preview
© Imago
Peter Maes's Willem II have picked up just one point from their first three league games this year, drawing 1-1 with Feyenoord on January 18 in between a 6-2 thrashing at the hands of FC Twente and a 2-0 loss on the road to RKC Waalwijk last time out.
Those results have left the Tricolores 12th in the Eredivisie with 23 points to show for their effort across their 20 matches so far.
However, while Sunday's hosts are only six points ahead of Sparta Rotterdam in the relegation playoff spot, they are just three behind NAC Breda - who occupy one of the division's Conference League playoff places - meaning that European qualification remains a realistic target this season.
That being said, Maes's side have won just one of their last seven home games, losing three and drawing three in a stretch going back to late September, and if they are to move up the table in a sustainable way then their form at Koning Willem II Stadion will have to improve.
This weekend, Willem II will face a particularly tough test against one of the top flight's strongest teams, but having won the reverse fixture 2-1 in November, they may feel that they can seize all three points on Sunday.
© Imago
Meanwhile, Maarten Martens's AZ qualified for the Europa League playoffs earlier this week despite losing 3-2 against Ferencvaros, and will now turn their attention back to the Eredivisie, where they are without a win in 2025.
Last time out in the league, De Kaasboeren's nine-game domestic unbeaten streak was broken when they lost 2-1 in dramatic fashion against Sparta Rotterdam, who managed to find a 95th-minute winner after Mexx Meerdink equalised for AZ earlier in stoppage time.
That result left Martens's side sixth in the table, two points behind fourth-placed Feyenoord, who currently occupy the division's playoff spot for the Europa League qualifiers.
AZ will be keenly aware that three points could take them above Brian Priske's team this weekend, and they could be motivated by such an opportunity to put in a strong performance.
However, the visitors have dropped points for three games on the bounce, and it remains to be seen how they will respond to the increased pressure of keeping up with their rivals, as well as staying in front of Go Ahead Eagles.
Team News
© Imago
Willem II will be without a number of midfielders this weekend, including Amine Lachkar, who has been dealing with a groin injury, and Dani Mathieu, who has been absent with a knee issue.
Maes will also miss Jesse Bosch, who will serve a suspension on Sunday, so expect Cisse Sandra to join Ringo Meerveld in the centre of the park.
As for AZ, boss Martens has made numerous changes in recent weeks as his side competes both domestically and in Europe, though Rome Jayden Owusu-Oduro has been a constant between the sticks.
Centre-back Wouter Goes is suspended for this fixture after accumulating too many yellow cards, so expect Alexandre Penetra and Maxim Dekker to start at the heart of the defence on Sunday.
Further forward, Peer Koopmeiners is likely to be paired with Jordy Clasie at the base of midfield, while Ernest Poku will be supporting striker Troy Parrott up top.
Willem II possible starting lineup:
Didillon; Tirpan, Behounek, Jago, Sigurgeirsson; Lambert; Doodeman, Sandra, Meerveld, Joosten; Bokila
AZ Alkmaar possible starting lineup:
Owusu-Oduro; Maikuma, Dekker, Penetra, Wolfe; Koopmeiners, Clasie; Poku, Mijnans, Lahdo; Parrott
We say: Willem II 1-2 AZ Alkmaar
Neither side are in the strongest form ahead of this weekend's clash, and Koning Willem II Stadion is likely to host another close-fought contest.
However, having dropped points in three games on the bounce, AZ will be desperate for the win and will likely pick up all three points in a narrow victory on Sunday.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
