Match Preview: AZ Alkmaar vs Waalwijk

On April 1, 2025, at 18:00 CET, the stage is set for an exciting clash in the Eredivisie as AZ Alkmaar takes on Waalwijk at the AFAS Stadion. With both teams looking to solidify their standings, this encounter promises to be a thrilling spectacle for football fans. Let’s delve into the details of each team’s performance, statistics, and what fans can expect from this matchup.

Team Form and Recent Performance

AZ Alkmaar

AZ Alkmaar has showcased a mixed bag of results lately, with their recent form reading: WWDWWWLLLDLLWWWWWDDLWWWLD. In total, they have played 25 matches this season, with 12 of those at home where they have secured 7 victories. Here’s a deeper look at their statistics:

• Total Wins: 13 (Home: 7)
• Goals Scored: Average of 1.7 (Home: 1.9)
• Goals Conceded: Average of 1.0 (Home: 1.0)
• Clean Sheets: Total of 10 (Home: 5)
• Matches without Scoring: Total of 3 (Home: 0)

Their preferred formation has been the 4-2-3-1, utilized 21 times this season, highlighting their tactical consistency and strength in midfield.

Waalwijk

In stark contrast, Waalwijk has struggled significantly, with a recent form of LLLLLLLLDLWLDDLLDLDWWWLLL, resulting in only 4 victories from 25 matches, including just 1 win away from home. Here’s an overview of their statistics:

• Total Wins: 4 (Away: 1)
• Goals Scored: Average of 1.3 (Away: 1.3)
• Goals Conceded: Average of 2.1 (Away: 2.4)
• Clean Sheets: Total of 3 (Away: 0)
• Matches without Scoring: Total of 7 (Away: 3)

Waalwijk also typically employs a 4-2-3-1 formation, used 14 times, but their inability to maintain defensive solidity has proven detrimental this season.

Head-to-Head Record

The historical encounters favor AZ Alkmaar considerably, with recent matches reflecting their dominance. Below are the results from the last encounters:

Out of the last ten matches, AZ Alkmaar has won 7, Waalwijk has won 2, with 1 match ending in a draw, indicating a clear advantage for AZ Alkmaar.

Statistical Insights

Over/Under Statistics

Analyzing the over/under statistics provides further insights into the teams' scoring capabilities:

• AZ Alkmaar:
  • Over 0.5 goals: 22 matches
  • Over 1.5 goals: 12 matches
  • Over 2.5 goals: 2 matches
• Waalwijk:
  • Over 0.5 goals: 18 matches
  • Over 1.5 goals: 9 matches
  • Over 2.5 goals: 2 matches

These statistics suggest that while AZ has a tendency to score more, Waalwijk struggles defensively, making this matchup crucial for both teams.

Prediction

Considering the current form, historical encounters, and statistical analysis, the prediction for the match between AZ Alkmaar and Waalwijk leans heavily in favor of AZ Alkmaar. Given that they have demonstrated strong home performances with an impressive scoring average and a solid defensive record, it is reasonable to expect that they will dominate the match.

Waalwijk, on the other hand, has faced a season filled with challenges and a lack of form, particularly in away games where they have struggled to secure points. Their defense has been porous, allowing an average of over 2 goals per game, which could spell trouble against a confident AZ side that knows how to capitalize on defensive lapses.

With the historical data showing AZ Alkmaar’s ability to score multiple goals against Waalwijk, it would not be surprising to see a scoreline similar to their previous encounters. Therefore, a predicted outcome of AZ Alkmaar winning by a score of 3-1 seems plausible, given that they are playing at home where they thrive. However, a conservative bet on a double chance of AZ Alkmaar or a draw could also be wise, considering any surprises that Waalwijk might bring to the pitch. Fans should gear up for an exciting match that could see AZ Alkmaar solidifying their position in the league standings while Waalwijk fights to regain some semblance of form.