This Saturday, AZ Alkmaar will host PSV Eindhoven at the AFAS Stadion in a crucial Eredivisie matchup as both teams seek to enhance their standings in round nine of the league.
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Both teams head into this clash with differing fortunes from their last outings before the international break. AZ Alkmaar suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Fortuna Sittard, marking their third consecutive loss. Alen Halilovic’s missed penalty in the 45th minute kept the score level at halftime, but a late goal from Rodrigo Guth in the 78th minute sealed AZ’s fate. Prior to this streak, the team had gone unbeaten for 19 matches, with 15 wins and 4 draws. Currently, they sit third in the Eredivisie with 19 points from eight games and have the opportunity to level with second-placed Utrecht if they secure a victory this weekend.
In contrast, PSV Eindhoven comes into the match on a high note, having secured a 2-1 comeback victory over Sparta Rotterdam. After falling behind early due to a goal from Tobias Lauritsen, PSV responded with an own goal from Arno Verschueren and a strike from Luuk de Jong before halftime. This win maintained PSV’s perfect record in the league, with eight victories out of eight matches, granting them a five-point lead at the top of the table. Their formidable offense has seen them score 27 goals this season, the highest in the division, while also keeping three clean sheets.
Team News
AZ Alkmaar: The home side will be without 20-year-old defender Wouter Goes, who has missed five games due to an injury sustained against Elfsborg on September 25. Midfielder Jordy Clasie and goalkeeper Wouter Goes are also sidelined with respective injuries.
PSV Eindhoven: Coach Peter Bosz will be missing Belgian defender Matteo Dams, who is suspended following a red card in the previous match. Additionally, several key players are injured, including Joey Veerman (groin), Hirving Lozano (muscle), and Fode Fofana (knee). Dutch midfielder Jerdy Schouten is doubtful for this match, while Sergino Dest continues his recovery from a knee injury sustained in April.
Expected Lineups
AZ Alkmaar:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Starting XI: Owusu-Oduro; Kasius, Penetra, Dekker, Wolfe; Buurmeester, Koopmeiners; Sadiq, Mijnans, Van Bommel; Parrott
PSV Eindhoven:
- Formation: 4-3-3
- Starting XI: Benitez; Junior, Flamingo, Boscagli, Karsdorp; Ledezma, Til, Saibari; Perisic, De Jong, Tillman
After a strong start to the season, AZ Alkmaar is looking to bounce back from recent setbacks as they face a formidable PSV side that boasts an unblemished league record. While AZ is expected to put up a fight in front of their home crowd, PSV’s current form and depth suggest they may continue their winning streak, aiming for a ninth consecutive victory. For predictions and further match analysis, click here.
