AZ Alkmaar - RKC Waalwijk predictions and free betting tips [13/04/2024]

A fascinating match approaches at AFAS Stadium, featuring two teams each grappling with considerably challenging seasonal objectives. AZ Alkmaar has fallen behind Twente and is aiming not to relinquish its ticket to the UEFA Europa League qualification. Meanwhile, RKC Waalwijk duels with Excelsior for a comfortable place outside the bottom three, notably; the competitor has already made their move in this touring, effortlessly outplaying FC Volendam, and the 'other Oranges', along with Vitesse, are most likely headed for the Eerste Divisie.

AZ Alkmaar

AZ's defenders seem to have gone missing in previous matches, as conceding 10 goals over 2 games is quite a feat.

There has been no explanation for the debacle against Heracles. Furthermore, the appalling match against PSV substantiated the fact that strategic mistakes have been made either by the coaching staff or the players themselves. Consequently, they arguably deserve the loss of bonuses or some rewards, but they can't afford to lose so unilaterally in their goal-scoring. Especially when they had plans to compete with Twente for a Champions League qualification place, and here the Europa League may also slip away if AZ Alkmaar delivers a couple of similar misfortunes.

Marten Martens did not reorganize the line-up after the first rout, possibly to his regret, as it led to the second. It will be interesting to see who the Belgian coach was displeased with after the previous match against PSV. Most likely, we'll get the answer before the start of the match against RKC Waalwijk when they announce the starting lineup.

AZ needs to play tactfully in defence against their opponent from North Brabant to affirm their defence's reliability and avoid repeating failures during an important period of the season where they need to secure their way into the Europa League at the minimum.

RKC Waalwijk

Only the match against Vitesse was a success for Henk Fraser's men among the five crucial matches after the loss to Go Ahead Eagles. This was followed by two fair draws with Excelsior and Heerenveen and a stalemate with Almere City. Then the disaster struck against FC Volendam, as RKC Waalwijk had to come back from 0:2 down but still lost.

The fixture schedule for RKC Waalwijk is hardly among the most hospitable. Yet, there is a showdown against PEC Zwolle, and a couple of draws can be salvaged against difficult opponents. However, even this might not be enough to outpace Excelsior, which also lacks easy upcoming matches.

On occasion, Henk Fraser reshuffles his team line-ups for specific opponents. For instance, Reuven Niemeijer has not started in two consecutive matches, and Michiel Kramer has only recently returned to the starting lineup post-injury. It's curious that David Min only came off the bench against FC Volendam, while Chris Lokesa is still operating on the left flank when they could position Denilho Cleonise on the right, substituting virtually anyone on the left-wing position incuding Margaret.

Given the current difficulties in AZ's defence, RKC Waalwijk's offence should focus on exploiting these issues, especially considering that Henk Fraser's side is certainly capable of scoring goals in this match.

Head-to-Head

In the first-round faceoff, AZ Alkmaar overcame RKC Waalwijk with a score of 3:1, even though they were trailing 0:1 at halftime.

Betting prediction: AZ Alkmaar - Waalwijk

It's worth betting on total over 2,5. Both AZ and RKC Waalwijk should be capable of netting at least one goal in this contest.