AZ vs Go Ahead Eagles – News and Probable Lineups

On Saturday, two of the top teams in the Eredivisie will clash at AFAS Stadion, with league leaders AZ Alkmaar hosting third-placed Go Ahead Eagles as they enter gameweek four.

AZ has managed to maintain a perfect record across their first three matches, while Kowet comes into this match just two points behind, showcasing an impressive scoring ability under the management of Joseph Oosting in the early stages of the season.

Match overview

Though AZ has drawn an unusual number of matches at the beginning of their current unbeaten streak, Leiteroy Echteld’s squad has added a much-needed cutting edge to their resolute play.

After finishing their last campaign with five draws in seven matches, the Cheese Farmers have celebrated seven victories out of nine since pre-season started, with four of those wins coming in competitive fixtures.

Since they triumphed over PSV Eindhoven 4-0 in the Johan Cruyff Shield at the beginning of the month, Alkmaar has continued to impress, winning their next three matches in the league, thus remaining the only team with a perfect record after three rounds.

While it might be too early to discuss a potential third Eredivisie title since 2009, Echteld’s side is certainly strengthening their prospects as the season progresses.

However, next up are in-form Go Ahead Eagles, a team AZ has only managed to overcome just once in their last five encounters, having experienced seven victorious outings against them.

Indeed, the Pride of the IJssel have proven to be less predictable opponents for De Kaasboeren, even though they have not yet secured a win in the last five clashes.

They played to a 2-2 draw in their previous meeting last December, leveling the score through Melle Meulensteen within the final ten minutes.

Kowet has considerably improved since then and is now more inclined to outscore their opponents under Oosting, who appears to have encouraged his players to adopt a more adventurous style.

This approach is highlighted by Kowet’s early results, which include 4-1 and 3-1 victories against Willem II and ADO Den Haag, sandwiching an engaging 2-2 draw against Feyenoord in the second round.

No team in the Eredivisie has netted more than their nine goals thus far, with PSV matching their tally, providing an optimistic outlook ahead of their next fixture at AFAS Stadion, where they remain unbeaten in their last two league visits, drawing both times with 2-2 results.

This fact boosts the traveling fans’ hopes as they believe they can end the leaders’ six-match winning streak and 16-match unbeaten run.

Team News

AZ is currently facing several injury concerns, with Mees de Wit (knock), Denso Kasius (groin), and Stije Resink (knee) unavailable, while Elijah Dijkstra (leg) remains a doubt.

Kees Smit has yet to score for Alkmaar, though he has provided two assists in three appearances, while Mexx Meerdink and Ro-Zangelo Daal have been involved in two and three goals respectively in four competitive outings this term.

Jazz Hornkamp shone last time out with a two-goal performance against Fortuna Sittard, but it remains uncertain whether the former Heracles striker will start ahead of Meerdink.

The visitors have greatly benefited from Soren Tengstedt’s strong start to the season, with the wide attacker netting three goals and contributing one assist before matchday four.

Victor Edvardsen and Mathis Suray have also made notable impacts, both registering two goal contributions ahead of Kowet’s fourth league match.

Despite their promising start to the season, Go Ahead Eagles are dealing with a few long-term absences, with Gerrit Nauber (leg), Robbin Weijenberg (knee), and Pim Saathof (knee) all sidelined.

AZ Alkmaar probable starting XI:

De Busser; Maikuma, Goes, Schouten, Chavez; Kwakman, Koopmeiners; Patati, Smit, Daal; Meerdink

Go Ahead Eagles probable starting XI:

Bunch; Sampsted, Dirksen, Kramer, James; Linthorst, Meulensteen; Tengstedt, Edvardsen, Suray; Flat taker

While Go Ahead Eagles come to Alkmaar with a formidable scoring record, taking on the flawless league leaders at AFAS Stadion poses a significant challenge.

With Echteld’s squad showing renewed determination in the attacking third alongside their outstanding start to the season, the Cheese Farmers are expected to secure three points in what promises to be an entertaining fixture.