Our prediction for this KNVB Cup match:
AZ
Match Time & Date:
03/03/2022
20:00
Prediction: 1-1
Ajax
All eyes will be on AFAS Stadion when AZ Alkmaar and Ajax square off against each other in the Dutch Cup semi-finals. AZ Alkmaar did well to beat Feyenoord 2-1 in their last league match, but they will have a much bigger fish to fry in Thursday’s clash. Keep in mind, though, that head coach Pascal Jansen can count on key players for the KNVB Beker showdown.
The Amsterdammers, on the other hand, suffered a shocking 2-1 loss to Go Ahead Eagles, but despite the defeat they remained in top position in the Eredivisie standings. Ajax are eager to get back on course as soon as possible, but given AZ Alkmaar’s impressive home record, we are tempted to put our money on draw. Sebastien Haller should continue to lead the line for the visitors despite failing to find the net in the last league match, while all Brobbey, Labyad, and Klaiber 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 (Ajax):
Ajax is a Dutch football club that was founded on 18 March, 1900. Ajax are well known for their youth academy, which regarded as one of the best youth football schools in the world. The likes of Johan Cruijff, Edwin van der Sar, Dennis Bergkamp, Patrick Kluivert, Rafael van der Vaart and Marco van Basten are all products of Ajax’s football academy. The Amsterdammers share a big rivalry with Feyenoord and there have always been fireworks when the two teams face each other in De Klassieker.
During the seventies Feyenoord and Ajax were the only two teams who were capable of winning the domestic trophies, while PSV have been playing an important role in Dutch football in the 21st century. PSV and Ajax are regarded as big rivals as well and the two teams square off against each other in De Topper. Ajax play their home games at Amsterdam ArenA, the stadium that was opened on 14 August, 1996. The Amsterdammers won their fourth European Cup (Champions League) trophy in 1995, beating Milan in the title game in Vienna.
Man City 
Everton
Bournemouth
Crystal Palace 
Chelsea 
Fulham
Newcastle 
Aston Villa 
Nottingham Forest 
Tottenham
Southampton 
West Ham 
