AZ Alkmaar - Ajax predictions and free betting tips [25/02/2024]

The central match of the 23rd round of the Dutch Championship will be held at the AFAS Stadium, the home of AZ Alkmaar. The hosting "Cheese Farmers" will welcome Amsterdam-based Ajax, seeking to salvage a rather unsuccessful season by reaching the Europa League spot.

AZ Alkmaar

The decision to change the coach at AZ seemed reasonable after the team's disappointment in the Conference League. Pascal Jansen was often criticised for the static approach of the team in the Eredivisie with no real prospects of moving forward. An odd decision, to let go of a man who structured football in AZ. Now, the "Cheese Farmers" are managed by Marten Martens. With him, the team from the North Holland region won their first match in the last round, despite being on the back foot. Their opponents Fortuna tried to operate high, to be more offensive, but it was AZ who commanded the match. Fortuna, however, did commit a lot, but fell short on delivering results. 

AZ Alkmaar has a decent squad and could have progressed from the group stage in the Conference League, yet they succumbed to the competition from Polish side Legia. The ludicrous match-up against Zrinjski Mostar also had its impact. Nevertheless, Pavlidis has been once again performing well, with a tally of 21 goals and an assist per match. While other players have made limited contributions to the team's achievements, they are vital to adding more vigour to the team. Despite being the favourites in the match against a revitalising Ajax, the "Cheese Farmers" also have a new coach who perceives their players in a different light. 

Ajax

The Ajax squad led by John van 't Schip barely managed to overcome Norwegian Bodo/Glimt in the 1/16 Conference League playoffs. Despite their weaker performance in the second match-up, they effectively exploited a couple of good opportunities. In contrast, Bodo/Glimt launched 25 shots with 7 on target, likely considering themselves stronger contenders for the quarter-finals. Yet, they faced real problems with shot execution, especially as the official season started with a playoff. Ajax also prefers to dominate possession in the championship, with the struggle lying in converting their ball control into successful results.

Jordan Henderson, arrived from Saudi Arabia, seemed to have found his form but suffered an injury as well and missed the match against Bodo/Glimt. Gaston Avila, as well as Steven Bergwijn, are also in the hospital. Ajax isn't favoured in the match against AZ Alkmaar, but they should strive not to lose to their direct competitor for a Europa League qualification spot - a place where the Amsterdam club undoubtedly seeks to be.

Head to head meetings

In the first leg, Ajax lost to almost all competitors and AZ Alkmaar was no exception. The "Cheese Farmers" won 2:1 at the Johan Cruijff Arena, with the two current top scorers of AZ, Pavlidis and de Wit, finding the back of the net.

Match Prediction: AZ Alkmaar vs Ajax

Even though Marten Martens' squad is undergoing changes and is considered the favourite in the match against Ajax, I'll put my money on a draw. As the Amsterdam side would most likely be seeking this result to prevent AZ from widening their advantage. Go Ahead Eagles may easily overtake Ajax if they suffer a loss in this encounter.

Exact Score Prediction

A scoreline of 1:1 does seem fitting here, as both teams would hesitate to expose themselves excessively. Yet, this match shouldn't disappoint the fans with goals on both sides.