Our prediction for this Netherlands Eredivisie match:
AZ
Match Time & Date:
19/02/2022
21:00
Prediction: 2-0
Heracles
High-flying AZ Alkmaar will look to build on a 4-1 win over Go Ahead Eagles when they host Heracles to their AFAS Stadion on Matchday 23. AZ have been in a splendid form in 2022, and it is no wonder the bookies see them as favourites to win Saturday’s clash. Greece international Vangelis Pavlidis scored a brace at the weekend, meaning that the opposition back-line should have him at bay. His compatriot Pantelis Chatzidiakos is back from suspension, while midfielder Fredrik Midtsjo serves a one-game ban.
The Black and Whites, on the other hand, quickly bounced back from a 3-0 loss to Ajax, with the team beating Utrecht thanks to Kaj Sierhuis’ goal. Heracles, though, are not regarded as good travelers, which is yet another reason why we are going to put our money on the in-form hosts. All Samuel Armenteros, Mateo Les, and Elias Oubella should miss out with injuries.
Highlighted Player (Jordy Clasie):
Jordy Clasie is a product of the Feyenoord youth academy who plays for AZ Alkmaar as a midfielder. His main position is defensive midfield, but he is capable of producing fine displays as both central midfielder and centre-back as well.
Clasie played for the likes of Feyenoord, Excelsior (loan), Southampton, and Club Brugge (loan) before returning to Rotterdam. After ending his second spell with Feyenoord, the Dutch footballer joined AZ Alkmaar in the summer of 2019. He made his AZ debut in the Eredivisie on August 4, 2019 in a 4-0 win over Fortuna Sittard.
Jordie Clasie has 12 caps with the Netherlands U21 team, and he made his senior debut in a 1-1 draw with Italy on February 6, 2013. Thanks to his elegant style of play, Clasie has earned the nickname of “Dutch Xavi”. The AZ Alkmaar midfielder was born in Haarlem, Netherlands on June 27, 1991.
Highlighted Team (Heracles):
Heracles is a professional Dutch club based in Almelo. The club was formed back in May 1903 and named after Heracles, the demigod son of Zeus. From 1974 to 1998 the club played under the name of SC Heracles ’74. The Heraclieden’s home colours are black and white, while blue is the dominant colour of their away shirt.
Twente are considered one of the club’s main rivals in the Netherlands. Speaking of the club’s achievements, it has to be noted that Heracles have won two Eredivisie trophies (1926/27, 1940/41). In the 2011/12 season they made it to the Dutch Cup final. Heracles faced PSV in the title game, with the Dutch giants proving to be a big catch for the underdogs.
PSV won the game 3-0. In the 2016/17 season Heracles participated in the Europa League, with the team suffering elimination to Arouca in the third qualifying round. Everton is leading the club’s all-time goal-scoring chart with 77 goals.
