As the day draws to a close in Alkmaar on April 1, 2025, football enthusiasts anticipate the Eredivisie clash between AZ Alkmaar and RKC Waalwijk at the AFAS Stadion. The encounter promises to be a thrilling exhibition of Dutch football, with both teams battling for valuable points on the league standings.
Match Overview
- Date and Time: April 1, 2025, 19:00 CET
- Location: AFAS Stadion, Alkmaar
- Referee: R. Dieperink
Team Form and Statistics
AZ Alkmaar:
AZ Alkmaar have had a mixed bag of results in their recent matches. They have won two, drawn two, and lost two of their last six matches. During this period, they scored eight goals in total at an average of 1.33 goals per game and conceded the same, indicating a good balance in offense and defense. Notably, four of these six matches featured over 2.5 goals, indicating a preference for high-scoring matches. AZ has been invincible at home, remaining unbeaten in their recent five home fixtures at the AFAS Stadion. (fctables.com)
RKC Waalwijk:
RKC Waalwijk's recent form has been a rollercoaster. They have won three and lost three of their last six matches, scoring 12 goals (at an average of 2.00 goals per game) but conceding exactly the same. All six matches featured over 1.5 goals being scored, with four of them crossing the 2.5 goal mark, indicating their involvement in high-scoring games. Their away form has been less consistent, however, with recent losses indicating weaknesses away from home. (fctables.com)
Head-to-Head Analysis
AZ Alkmaar has traditionally ruled this matchup. AZ has won 25 times in 37 games, while RKC Waalwijk has triumphed 10 times, with only two matches ending in a tie. The average goal per match is 3.32, an indication of the attacking style of play of these games. In the last matchup on August 30, 2024, AZ Alkmaar prevailed 3-0. (fctables.com)
Statistical Breakdown of Recent Encounters:
- Goals: AZ Alkmaar 3, RKC Waalwijk 0
- Total Shots: AZ Alkmaar 18, RKC Waalwijk 4
- Free Kicks: AZ Alkmaar 10, RKC Waalwijk 5
- Corner Kicks: AZ Alkmaar 8, RKC Waalwijk 2
- Total Fouls: AZ Alkmaar 15, RKC Waalwijk 9
- Pass Accuracy: AZ Alkmaar 83%, RKC Waalwijk 72%
- Interceptions: AZ Alkmaar 7, RKC Waalwijk 3
- Offsides: AZ Alkmaar 2, RKC Waalwijk 1
(tips.gg)
Pre-Match Betting Odds and Win Probability
Bookmakers have installed AZ Alkmaar as the massive favorites for this game. Moneyline odds read as follows:
- AZ Alkmaar: 1.27
- Draw: 5.80
- RKC Waalwijk: 9.40
Over/under for total goals is 2.5, with 1.75 for over and 2.10 for under. Both teams to score (BTTS) is 2.10 for 'Yes' and 1.70 for 'No'. (tips.gg)
Key Players to Watch
A-Z Alkmaar:
- Ibrahim Sadiq: The forward has been in fine form, netting two goals in his last five outings. His pace and finishing abilities make him a constant threat to goalkeepers. (tips.gg)
RKC Waalwijk:
- Richard van der Venne: A hard-tackling midfielder who is known for his creativity in the middle of the park. While he has been an excellent performer, he will require enormous support from his teammates if he is to influence the course of the game positively. (tips.gg)
Predicted Starting Lineups
AZ Alkmaar (4-3-3):
- Goalkeeper: Hobie Verhulst
- Defenders: Bruno Martins Indi, Maxim Dekker, David Møller Wolfe, Denso Kasius
- Midfielders: Wouter Goes, Kristijan Belić, Peer Koopmeiners
- Forwards: Ibrahim Sadiq, Troy Parrott, Ernest Poku
AZ will most probably deploy a 4-3-3 formation, with an emphasis on controlling the ball and exploiting Waalwijk's defensive vulnerability with active wing play. (tips.gg)
RKC Waalwijk (4-3-3):
- Goalkeeper: Joey Kesting
- Defenders: Julian Lelieveld, Aaron Meijers, Godfried Roemeratoe, Liam Van Gelderen
- Midfielders: Tim van de Loo, Yassin Oukili, Richard van der Venne
- Forwards: Michiel Kramer, Oskar Zawada, Richonell Margaret
This match will be significant for both teams. AZ Alkmaar will be looking to continue their fine home form, and RKC Waalwijk will be hoping to forget their away troubles and gain a crucial point or more. Based on the history between these two teams and current form, this has the potential to be a high-tempo match with goals and drama aplenty.
Prediction:
While RKC Waalwijk has been stubborn in their last few games, home advantage and superior quality of AZ Alkmaar see the latter as the favorites to win this encounter. A 3-1 victory for AZ Alkmaar is predicted, with both sides finding their way onto the scoresheet in what should be another thrilling game.