Sittard vs AZ – News and Probable Lineups

In the upcoming match at Fortuna Sittard Stadion on Saturday, two teams that remain unbeaten in the Eredivisie will clash as Fortuna Sittard takes on league leaders AZ Alkmaar during gameweek three.

The hosts, known for their attacking prowess, have so far managed a draw against defending champions PSV Eindhoven and a victory over promoted Cambuur, setting their sights on another win over AZ after defeating them 4-3 in the corresponding fixture last season.

Match overview

Fortuna had not been able to secure a win against AZ for 23 years until Danny Buijs broke that streak in October 2024, ending a 14-match winless run for FSC.

Although the following encounter in Alkmaar ended in a loss, the Dutchman subsequently led his team to another narrow victory against the Cheese Farmers, this time in a thrilling 4-3 match over AZ in December 2025.

These two wins are the only victories in a fixture largely lacking draws — with the last 11 encounters producing definitive outcomes — and the home side approaches Saturday’s match aiming for their third consecutive win against their opponents in front of their home fans.

Certainly, FSC can be hopeful given their season’s start, highlighting their competitive spirit and attacking capabilities against PSV and Cambuur respectively.

After capitalizing effectively against the reigning champions in the first matchweek, they topped promoted Cambuur in a fast-paced match, bolstered by remarkable goalkeeping from Mattijs Branderhorst, who made a total of six saves in the 3-1 victory.

It will be intriguing to observe which version of Fortuna surfaces this week, especially with AZ coming to Sittard, where they have encountered back-to-back losses in recent visits.

This third matchday encounter promises to be thrilling, especially as the Cheese Farmers have remained unbeaten in all competitions since April, following a 3-0 defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk in the first leg of the Conference League quarter-finals.

Since that setback, De Kaasboeren have gone on a run of 15 matches without a loss, with eight victories during that streak, five of which have come in consecutive matches leading up to this weekend.

AZ began their campaign with a win against promoted ADO Den Haag on matchday one, and they continued their success with a solid 4-1 victory over FC Utrecht last time out, placing Leeroy Echteld’s side at the top of the early Eredivisie table after two matches.

Now, the Cheese Farmers hope to maintain, or even enhance, their position if the currently perfect Groningen falter, by reversing their previous losing streak in Sittard.

Their chances are bolstered by a strong defensive record, having kept three clean sheets in their last four fixtures, with Utrecht only managing a goal after AZ had already established a 3-0 lead, providing encouragement to their traveling supporters ahead of Saturday’s match.

Team News

Sven Simons is expected to miss Saturday’s game due to hamstring issues, while the fitness of Ivan Marquez and Kristoffer Peterson’s injuries will be evaluated.

This season, the hosts have showcased a balanced goal-scoring approach, with Shiloh ’t Zand, Ole Romeny, Edouard Michut, Lequincio Zeefuik, and Philip Brittijn all contributing to the scoreline.

AZ has also had a diverse set of scorers: Ro-Zangelo Daal, Peer Koopmeiners, Weslley Patati, Ayoub Oufkir, Mexx Meerdink, and Calvin Stengs have all found the net.

Significantly, Kees Smit and Mateo Chavez have each provided two assists after the same number of matches, both looking to assist in more goals on Saturday.

Echteld’s squad faces more injury concerns: Jordy Clasie, Jizz Hornkamp (ankle), Troy Parrott, Denso Kasius (groin), and Stije Resink (knee) are all unavailable.

Fortuna Sittard probable starting XI:

Branderhorst; Pinto, Van Ottele, Hubner; Wylin, Brittijn, Oukili, Dahlhaus; Ihattaren, Romeny; Seafish

AZ Alkmaar probable starting XI:

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

While Fortuna has proven to be a challenging opponent at home and is buoyed by gaining four points from two matches, AZ Alkmaar’s impressive unbeaten run of 15 matches further emphasizes their strong performance.

With Smit orchestrating play in midfield and the Cheese Farmers hitting their stride, Leeroy Echteld’s team should possess the necessary quality to break their recent hoodoo in Sittard.