The hosts are dangerous at home again, but the leaders look stronger: Heerenveen vs AZ Alkmaar prediction
The fifth-round Eredivisie match between Heerenveen and AZ Alkmaar will take place on 6 September at the Abe Lenstra Stadium. The hosts have collected five points from four matches, while the visitors have won all four of their opening fixtures and sit top of the table.
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Heerenveen: inconsistent start, but good memories against AZ
Robin Veldman's side began the season with a 1-0 victory over Twente, then drew 2-2 with Ajax, lost 2-0 to PEC Zwolle and shared the points again in a 2-2 draw with Willem II. Heerenveen had recently looked very reliable at home, although their latest home match ended in defeat.
Their recent head-to-head record against AZ is particularly notable. Heerenveen have won their last two home meetings with the Alkmaar side by the same 3-1 scoreline and will now be hoping to make it three in a row.
AZ Alkmaar: four victories and a 17-match unbeaten run
Leroy Echteld's side have made a perfect start to the league campaign: 2-0 against ADO Den Haag, 4-1 against Utrecht, 2-0 against Fortuna and 5-2 against Go Ahead Eagles. AZ's current winning streak in all competitions has now reached seven matches.
The visitors' overall unbeaten run stands at 17 matches. Ro-Zangelo Daal and Mateo Chávez have been particularly impressive in attack, with Chávez already involved in four of the team's goals.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- AZ have won all four of their opening league matches.
- The visitors are unbeaten in 17 consecutive competitive matches.
- Heerenveen have beaten AZ 3-1 in each of their last two home meetings.
The leaders should come through a difficult away test: Heerenveen vs AZ Alkmaar prediction
Heerenveen have genuinely been awkward opponents for AZ at home, and the recent head-to-head record confirms it. However, the visitors' current form is too convincing for those previous results to be considered decisive.
AZ currently have the edge in tempo, attacking depth and consistency. The hosts are capable of scoring, but keeping the league leaders under control for the entire match will be extremely difficult.
