Groningen vs AZ – News and Probable Lineups

On Sunday, AZ Alkmaar will make their way to Groningen in hopes of securing a vital victory that would keep their aspirations for a top-three finish in the Eredivisie alive.

Currently, AZ holds the sixth spot in the rankings, while Groningen sits in 10th place, striving to maintain their chase for a position in the European playoffs.

Match overview

With a 10-point gap from second-placed Feyenoord, most at AZ will likely be disappointed with their current standing, yet there are indications that their season could conclude on a positive note.

This past Thursday, AZ achieved a commanding 4-0 win against Sparta Prague, advancing them into the Conference League quarter-finals.

They have secured three consecutive victories in all competitions, with Lee-Roy Echeld also witnessing AZ’s 4-0 triumph over Heracles last weekend.

In an eight-match stretch, their only defeats were suffered against FC Utrecht and the soon-to-be champions PSV Eindhoven, and they have a favorable schedule ahead that could help them climb the standings.

Nonetheless, this remains a squad that has experienced seven losses in 14 away matches in the Eredivisie this season, including four out of their last six, with only two wins during that period against teams currently in 15th and 16th place.

On the other hand, Groningen is finally demonstrating some progress after enduring a potentially detrimental six-match losing streak in the Eredivisie.

During that phase, they conceded 13 goals, causing them to fall out of contention for the top spots, but a recent 3-1 victory over Ajax has reignited their quest for European qualification.

This was followed by a 1-1 draw with PEC Zwolle, bringing Groningen back to within three points of a playoff position for Europe.

Despite their recent difficulties, Groningen has only allowed 14 goals across 13 games at Euroborg, a statistic that offers encouragement to Dick Lukkien as his team aims to surpass last season’s 13th-place finish.

However, Groningen hasn’t kept a clean sheet at home since a goalless draw against lowly NAC Breda on January 10.

Team News

Tika de Jonge may return to the Groningen midfield, potentially replacing Tygo Land, depending on the formation Lukkien opts for in this match.

In their previous match, he utilized a 4-4-2 formation, with the forward pair of Younes Taha and Thom van Bergen combining for the equalizer in the 84th minute against PEC Zwolle.

Taha now boasts seven assists this season, while Van Bergen has scored seven goals. The remainder of the lineup may stay intact.

After making several changes for the match against Sparta Prague, Echeld was able to provide rest to key players like AZ’s top scorer Kees Smit, who has netted 28 goals, during the latter stages of that game.

Consequently, a similarly shaped starting XI from the victory over Heracles could be named. However, Jeroen Zoet is expected to take over from Hobie Verhulst in goal after he missed the last league match.

Isak Jensen is also vying for a starting spot on the right flank, having scored in his last two appearances.

Groningen probable starting XI:

Jurjus; Rente, Blokzijl, Janse, Peersman; Werff, Land, Schreuders, Hernes; Taha, Bergen

AZ Alkmaar probable starting XI:

Sweet; Dijkstra, Goes, Van Duijl, White; Smit, Koopmeiners, Mijnans; Jensen, Parrott, Daal

Considering the quick turnaround following their commitments in European competition, AZ may not be at their peak for this fixture. Nevertheless, we foresee the visitors securing another crucial win as they aim to gain momentum ahead of the international break.