Eredivisie | Gameweek 16

Dec 15, 2024 at 7pm UK

Rat Verlegh Stadion

NAC Bredavs.AZ

Match preview

AZ have endured a somewhat bizarre season under Maarten Martens, with winning and losing streaks at different stages of the campaign.

The end result is that they sit 16 points adrift of leaders PSV Eindhoven, although Martens will be encouraged that they are only nine points behind second-placed FC Utrecht.

That will be especially so after AZ's three successive Eredivisie wins over Sparta Rotterdam, Heracles and Ajax.

Overcoming the latter has kept AZ within seven points of third place, but they continue a tough run of fixtures in the league with Twente, PSV Eindhoven and FC Utrecht following this game.

On Thursday night, AZ were held to a 2-2 draw at Ludogorets Razgrad in the Europa League, surrendering a two-goal lead in Bulgaria and sitting 19th in the standings.

As for NAC Breda, they would have been content to stay in the Eredivisie in 2024-25 after winning promotion from the second tier.

Instead, Carl Hoefkens' side have won five of their last eight matches to move up to seventh, 11 points clear of the relegation zone.

Three of their last four defeats have come at the hands of Feyenoord, Twente and PSV Eindhoven, underlining their consistency against the teams below them.

NAC's home form has been key, with 15 points from seven games and just seven goals conceded.

Recent Performance

NAC Breda Eredivisie form:WLLDWW

AZ Alkmaar Eredivisie form:DLLWWW

AZ Alkmaar form (all competitions):LWDWWD

Team News

Barring any fitness problems, Hoefkens is unlikely to make any changes to NAC Breda's starting line-up.

Although both goals last time out came from defenders, Elias Mar Omarsson is still doing enough to retain his place in the heart of the attack.

Dominik Janosek is an alternative in a creative role if Hoefkens wants to tinker with his team.

Changes could be made to the AZ XI, with Martens naming a largely unchanged side for the second match in a row.

Mayckel Lahdo is an option on the flank, while Denso Kasius could start at right-back.

Ibrahim Sadiq has just returned to the squad after a two-month absence, but he may have to settle for another appearance on the substitutes' bench.

Possible starting lineup

NAC Breda possible starting lineup:

Bielica; Lucassen, Greiml, Van den Bergh, Kemper; Jensen, Balard; Paula, Leemans, Sauer; Omarsson

AZ Alkmaar possible starting lineup:

Zoet; Kasius, Goes, Penetra, Wolfe; Koopmeiners, Mijnans, Clasie; Poku, Parrott, Lahdo