Feyenoord vs AZ Alkmaar Prediction: Expect An Offensive Approach From Two Attack Minded Sides

The Eredivisie's 22nd round sees Feyenoord host AZ Alkmaar at the De Kuip in what promises to be an interesting match between two clubs aiming to preserve their positions in the standings.

With AZ Alkmaar just two points behind Feyenoord in first position, will the Cheeseheads be able to earn maximum points in this encounter, or will Feyenoord prove to be a challenge that could result in a road loss?

Let's have a look at the latest Netherlands Eredivisie predictions between Feyenoord vs AZ Alkmaar, team news, probable lineups, match facts and up to date betting odds for you to consider!

Feyenoord

Form: WDDWD

De club aan de Maas entered their recent match against Heerenveen on the road with the sole intention of securing all three points, and there was no need for a second reminder as to what a loss would mean to their reign at the summit, as Lutsharel Geertruida and Santiago Gimenez gave their side a two-goal lead in the first half before surrendering a goal in the 75th minute to end the day with a 2:1 victory.

After a shaky start to the year, Arne Slot has not had to be critical of his team's recent performances. Rather, they have impressed but not to the fullest degree despite being overloaded with difficult games, as evidenced by their draws against Ajax Amsterdam (1:1) and PSV Eindhoven (2:2). They even ventured further to neutralize the threat of a tenacious NEC Nijmegen on penalties in the KNVB Cup round of 16.

Their unbeaten run in all competitions has been extended to 10 games, with 6 wins and 4 draws, and when it comes to their home form, they've been as stubborn as a mule, having yet to lose in their last 10 games in the Eredivisie, and it goes without saying that they'll want to use their outstanding home form to their advantage in order to record a resounding result.

While they've been cautious in their matches, it hasn't been enough to dislodge the threat of a resurgent AZ Alkmaar and Ajax Amsterdam, whom they are two and three points ahead of, respectively, which is why they won't settle for anything less than a win in this encounter. They are currently in first place with 46 points.

Team News

Feyenoord will still be without on-loan Sebastian Szymanski, who is out with a knee injury. Patrik Walemark and Gernot Trauner are also out with injuries and won't be available for selection prior to this match. Moreover, Justin Bijlow, the starter goalie, is sidelined with a fractured wrist, so Timon Wellenreuther will continue to play in goal while Justin Bijlow recovers.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Wellenreuther; Pedersen, Geertruida, Hancko, Hartman; Wieffer, Kokcu; Dilrosun, Timber, Idrissi; Gimenez

AZ Alkmaar

Form: WDDWW

In a recent home game against Excelsior, Pascal Jansen's team returned to winning ways with a 5:0 victory. They got off to a quick, commanding start, scoring all five goals in the opening period, and Sven Mijnans was at his best, scoring twice while also providing an assist, not to mention the impact of Jesper Karlsson, who came off with a goal and two assists.

Prior to that, they suffered a somewhat unfortunate ending that ended their ambitions of winning the prestigious KNVB trophy as they capitulated to Utrecht's threat, losing 2:1 despite holding them to a 1:1 draw during regular time thanks to Jesper Karlsson's late goal in the 86th minute.

It would be a shame if they came out of this one with nothing but a loss, as they could find themselves gliding all the way to fourth place, making their valiant efforts to remain a competitive side throughout their matches futile, which is something Pascal Jansen will try to avoid at all costs.

With the KNVB title dreams out of the way, Pascal Jansen can now focus his team on challenging for the Eredivisie title this season, which sees them as favorites alongside Ajax Amsterdam and PSV Eindhoven as they are only two points behind table leaders Feyenoord. They are presently ranked second with 44 points.

Team News

AZ Alkmaar will continue to be without Bruno Martins Indi, who has been sidelined for five months with a hip injury. In addition to the injury issues, he is joined by Sam Beukema, Sem Westerveld, and Dani de Wit, who will be unavailable for selection ahead of this match.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Ryan; Sugawara, Goes, Hatzidiakos, Kerkez; Clasie, Reijnders; Odgaard, Mijnans, Karlsson; Pavlidis

Match Facts

• In their last 17 home matches, Feyenoord has yet to lose.
• AZ Alkmaar are unbeaten in their last six away games.
• The average number of goals scored in a match between Feyenoord and AZ Alkmaar is 3.8.
• When playing at home, Feyenoord averages 2.29 goals per game, whereas AZ Alkmaar averages 1.8 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

Feyenoord has won 30 of the last 54 matches, AZ Alkmaar has won 14, and there have been 10 draws, with Feyenoord winning by a goal difference of 109-66.

Expert Betting Tips

This is arguably one of the most significant matches for both sides, as dropping points might jeopardize their drive for the title, and both sides will undoubtedly exercise prudence to avoid such a setback.

Feyenoord are once again the bookies' favorites, but there's no ignoring a furious AZ Alkmaar, who come into this match hellbent on securing all three points and taking over at the top, and as such, the full-time market is not worth taking at the present as this may go either way.

As such, both teams to score combined with the total over could be considered here since these are two sides that have shown great attacking capability in their clashes, and "both teams to score + total over" has been a winning wager in four of their five meetings, so the same could be expected here.

• Both Teams To Score + Goals - Over 2.5 for 1.95
• Corners - Over 10 for 1.72
• CS - Feyenoord 2:2 AZ Alkmaar for 14.00