AZ Alkmaar vs Willem II

AZ Alkmaar will approach this game with the belief of a side that can beat anyone, after taking 15 points from a possible 15 in their last 5. They have scored freely averaging 3.2 goals per game, while conceding 1.0. The recent sequence — 5 consecutive wins — gives this camp real momentum. Behind the ball, AZ Alkmaar have conceded 5 goals in 5 matches, with 2 clean sheets along the way.

As for Willem II, their recent results tell an interesting tale. Willem II arrive at this fixture searching for answers after a difficult run, having picked up 4 points from their last 5 games. Averaging 1.2 goals scored per game, Willem II's attack has done enough to compete; at the other end, 2.8 goals per game have gone in. Looking at the head-to-head record, the last 6 meetings have produced 2 AZ Alkmaar wins, 3 Willem II wins and 1 draws. These meetings have tended to produce plenty of goals, averaging 3.8 goals per match.

The statistics point towards an open game here. Both teams have been involved in matches with plenty of goalmouth action recently, and the tactical setup suggests a similar pattern could emerge. AZ Alkmaar will look to assert their authority early and put pressure on Willem II's defence. If they can convert their dominance into goals, it could be a long afternoon for the visitors.

This is a closely contested fixture, with the data suggesting a draw (16%) is the most likely outcome. The predicted scoreline of 6-1 reflects the evenly matched nature of the contest. Confidence here is modest at 50%, reflecting just how hard this fixture is to call. The stage is set in the Eredivisie; kick-off cannot come soon enough.