Our prediction for this Netherlands Eredivisie match:
AZ
Match Time & Date:
19/05/2024
14:30
Prediction: 2-1
Utrecht
AZ Alkmaar and Utrecht take on each other at AFAS Stadion in what is expected to be one of the most interesting games of Sunday’s program. The Cheese Farmers are still in the Champions League race, but they face a must-win situation in the decider. AZ are eyeing their fifth consecutive league win, but they will have to do it without experienced midfielder Jordie Clasie once again.
Utrecht, on the other hand, have little to play for in Sunday’s clash as they have already booked their spot in the Conference League playoffs. As AZ Alkmaar are desperate to pick up all three points from the match, home win should definitely be considered. Speaking of the away team, both Mike van der Hoorn and Tim Handwerker are sidelined with injuries, while Anthony Descotte and Kevin Gadellaa are both rated doubtful for the last game of the regular season.
Highlighted Player (Riechedly Bazoer):
Despite playing for PSV during his youth career, Riechedly Bazoer made his Eredivisie debut with Ajax. The central midfielder who was born on 12 October, 1996 in Utrecht, scored his first goal for Ajax on 15 February, 2015 in a 4-2 victory over Twente.
Four days later he made his European debut with the Amsterdammers, taking part in a 1-0 win over Legia in the Europa League. Bazoer scored five goals in 29 league appearances for Ajax in the 2015/2016 season, but he failed to win the domestic trophy with Frank de Boer’s troops.
Speaking of his international career, Bazoer has two caps for Netherlands U21 team and he made his debut for the first team on 13 November, 2015 against Wales. It has to be noted that he came as a late substitute in the 3-2 victory over the Dragons. Back in 2012 the right-footed midfielder won the UEFA U17 European Championship with the Dutch national team.
Highlighted Team (Utrecht):
Established on July 1, 1970, Utrecht is a Dutch club that competes in the Eredivisie. The club was founded as a merger of VV DOS, USV Elinkwijk, and Velox, and it has to be noted that VV DOS did well to win the Eredivisie trophy back in 1958.
Utrecht, on the other hand, have yet to win the national championship, but they have lifted three KNVB Cup trophies (1984/85, 2002/03, 2003/04). Leo van Veen is leading the club’s all-time goal-scoring chart with 153 goals. Speaking of the club’s colours, they were white and red shirts when playing at home, while blue is the dominant colour of their away jersey.
Due to the hooligan clashes, Utrecht have a rivalry with Dutch giants Ajax. The games between the two clubs have always been very tense on the field. Utrecht welcome their rivals at Stadion Galgenwaard, the venue which can hold up to 23,750 people. The stadium was opened back in May 1936.
