Testing ambitions ahead of the new season opener. Prediction for AZ Alkmaar vs Genk
AZ Alkmaar and Genk will go head-to-head in a friendly match. The game is scheduled for Wednesday, June 22, with kick-off at 18:30 Central European Time. I’m backing a bet on this game’s goal-scoring potential.
- See also: UEFA Conference League qualification match: Shelbourne vs Nõmme Kalju, game preview for July 23
H2H and key stats
- AZ have won just one out of four friendlies this pre-season.
- Genk boast three victories but have also lost two matches, conceding in every game.
- These teams already met in summer friendlies in 2020 and 2021: a 1-1 draw and a 1-0 win for Genk.
Last season was a mixed bag for AZ. In the Dutch Eredivisie, the team failed to challenge for the medals and finished only seventh, but they did lift the Dutch Cup and made a strong showing in Europe, reaching the quarterfinals of the Conference League.
AZ’s hallmark remains their reliance on young talent. The club traditionally places its trust in academy graduates, who are increasingly in demand on the European market with each passing season. At the same time, the team’s core has stayed intact, allowing the coaching staff to count on further progress without a major overhaul.
Summer preparations have been productive. The coaching staff is making full use of these friendlies to fine-tune tactical chemistry and assess new signings. In these encounters, AZ consistently focus on attacking football, looking to dominate possession and create plenty of chances regardless of the opponent’s level.
The clash with Genk will be one of the sternest tests before the official season kicks off. For the Dutch side, it’s crucial to assess their defensive readiness against high-caliber opposition and to evaluate the effectiveness of their pressing and inter-line cooperation against a team that thrives at high tempo.
For the Belgian club, last season can’t be called a failure, though supporters surely expected more. Genk spent much of the campaign near the top of the Belgian league, but faltered in the decisive stretch.
Their attacking play remains a key strength. Genk are regularly among the highest-scoring teams in Belgium, with a philosophy built on quick transitions and dynamic wing play. The coaching staff also continues to develop young prospects, consistently elevating them to the European stage.
In preparing for the new season, the Belgians have already played several friendlies, gradually building match sharpness. One of their recent test matches was against Dutch side Fortuna Sittard, giving the coaching staff a chance to gauge their readiness for tougher opposition.
This meeting with AZ is a great opportunity to test themselves against a representative of one of Europe’s strongest leagues. Genk will surely look to play at maximum intensity, as these are exactly the kinds of matches that reveal how ready the team is for the new campaign.
What’s the bet?
Despite the friendly status, this match promises to be highly entertaining. Both teams favor an attacking style and rarely sit back even in preseason, so fans can expect plenty of dangerous moments. My tip: back both teams to score.
