AZ Alkmaar vs AFC Ajax Amsterdam Prediction and Betting Tips…
The Eredivisie brings another exciting clash as AZ Alkmaar welcomes AFC Ajax Amsterdam to the AFAS Stadion on Sunday, December 8th, 2024. This match has all the ingredients of a thriller, with both teams in solid form and aiming to close the gap at the top of the standings. Ajax sits higher in the table with a 10-point lead over Alkmaar, but recent performances suggest this will be far from an easy outing for the visitors.
Recent Form
AZ Alkmaar, nicknamed De Kaasboeren (The Cheese Farmers), have been in decent form since the international break, going unbeaten in their last three games. Two wins and one draw reflect their stability and fighting spirit. Their most recent outing, a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Heracles, saw Mayckel Lahdo come off the bench to score a late winner in the 89th minute. This marked the winger’s first goal of the season and provided AZ with a much-needed confidence boost as they prepare to host Ajax.
Meanwhile, AFC Ajax Amsterdam, or de Godenzonen (The Sons of the Gods), have been dominant in the Eredivisie this season. They are currently unbeaten in their last 12 league outings, showcasing consistency and resilience. However, their midweek fixture against Utrecht ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw. Remko Pasveer’s own goal in the 80th minute denied them a win and highlighted some defensive vulnerabilities that AZ will look to exploit.
Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
Historically, Ajax has the upper hand in this fixture. The two sides have faced each other 109 times in competitive matches, with Ajax securing 65 wins to Alkmaar’s 24. The remaining 20 games ended in draws. However, recent history tells a different story. AZ Alkmaar is unbeaten in their last four Eredivisie meetings with Ajax, winning three of those encounters. Last season, AZ completed a league double over Ajax with an aggregate scoreline of 4-1.
The home team has also been strong at the AFAS Stadion in recent years against Ajax, suffering just one loss in their last six Eredivisie home meetings, with four wins to their name. Despite this, Ajax’s attacking prowess cannot be ignored. They have scored 31 goals in 14 league games this season, outscoring AZ by five goals, while also boasting a slightly better defensive record, conceding just 14 goals to AZ’s 15.
Key Players to Watch
For AZ Alkmaar, Mayckel Lahdo will be brimming with confidence after his match-winning goal against Heracles. Additionally, Vangelis Pavlidis, the team’s leading scorer this season, will play a crucial role in breaking through Ajax’s defense. AZ’s strength lies in their ability to play as a cohesive unit, and they will rely on their midfield duo to control the pace of the game.
Ajax, on the other hand, will look to their stars Dusan Tadic and Steven Bergwijn to deliver in front of goal. With Mika Godts potentially returning from injury, Ajax could benefit from an additional creative spark in midfield. However, they will be without Devyne Rensch, who picked up an injury last weekend. Manager Maurice Steijn will be counting on his experienced players, such as Davy Klaassen and Steven Berghuis, to lead the charge.
Tactical Analysis
AZ Alkmaar has shown a tendency to be aggressive in home games, often pressing high and looking to dominate possession. Manager Pascal Jansen will likely set his team up in a 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing quick transitions and utilizing the pace of Lahdo and Pavlidis in attack. AZ’s ability to score late goals, as seen in their last outing, could be a factor in this game.
Ajax, under Maurice Steijn, is known for its fluid attacking football. Their 4-2-3-1 formation often allows the full-backs to push forward, creating overloads in wide areas. However, their defense has been shaky in recent matches, and AZ will look to exploit any lapses. Expect Ajax to dominate possession and rely on their creative midfielders to unlock AZ’s defense.
Prediction
Both teams are coming into this match in decent form, and there is little to separate them based on recent performances. AZ will be buoyed by their strong home record against Ajax, while the visitors’ unbeaten streak in the league speaks to their consistency.
Given the attacking quality on display, this game is likely to be an open affair with plenty of goal-scoring opportunities. Both teams have scored in seven of their last eight meetings, and the trend is expected to continue.
Prediction: AZ Alkmaar 2-2 AFC Ajax Amsterdam
This game has the makings of a high-scoring draw, with both teams sharing the spoils in an entertaining contest.
Betting Tips
1. Result – Draw
With both teams in good form and the history of close encounters, a draw seems like a likely outcome.
2. Goals – Over 2.5 Goals
Both sides have been prolific in front of goal this season, and an open game should see at least three goals scored.
3. Second-Half Goals – Yes
The second half is expected to be more eventful, with both teams likely to take more risks.
4. Both Teams to Score – Yes
Given the attacking firepower of both teams, it’s hard to imagine a clean sheet for either side.
Conclusion
The clash between AZ Alkmaar and AFC Ajax Amsterdam promises to be a spectacle for fans of Dutch football. Both teams are capable of producing moments of brilliance, and their recent form suggests this could be a closely fought contest. While Ajax has the edge in terms of overall quality, AZ’s strong home form and recent dominance in this fixture cannot be overlooked. Fans can expect a thrilling encounter with goals, drama, and plenty of talking points.
