Highlighted: can AZ defeat the next top club with FC Utrecht?
Eredivisie matches between FC Utrecht and AZ have regularly provided excitement in recent years. This season, both clubs are showing they could be serious challengers for the top, so expectations are high for their upcoming encounter this Saturday. In recent weeks, AZ has arguably been the team in the best form in the Eredivisie, especially in top matches where the Alkmaarders have made a strong impression. Below is the preview for FC Utrecht - AZ.
AZ has been unbeaten in ten matches across all competitions (seven wins, three draws), with the Alkmaarders having played against teams like Galatasaray, FC Twente, PSV, and even twice against Ajax during this run. Despite this tough schedule, the team under coach Maarten Martens has collected more points in the last six Eredivisie matches than any other team (16). This streak is particularly remarkable since AZ had previously collected the fewest points of all teams in the competition (1) in the six rounds before that.
Most points in the last six Eredivisie matches
| # | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
|
1) |
AZ |
16 |
|
2) |
PSV |
13 |
|
= |
Go Ahead Eagles |
13 |
|
= |
Ajax |
13 |
|
5) |
FC Twente |
12 |
Despite their good form, they will be envious in Alkmaar of FC Utrecht's current position in the standings. The club from the Dom city is firmly in the top three thanks to their victory at Feyenoord (last week). However, there has been some trouble in recent home matches, with occasional issues in their performance. Ron Jans' team has only picked up four points in their last five home Eredivisie matches (1 win, 1 draw, and 3 losses). Utrecht can collect a maximum of four points for the first time since April-September 2016 in a run of six consecutive Eredivisie home matches (they had 3 points back then).
FC Utrecht has also struggled against AZ in their own Stadion Galgenwaard in recent years. Since the 2015/16 season, the club has only won one of their nine home league matches against AZ (4 draws, 4 losses). They have only beaten PSV once at home in this period, out of all the teams Utrecht has faced at least four times.
Earlier this season, FC Utrecht did manage a 1-2 win at AZ. However, Ron Jans' team was particularly efficient in that match, as AZ took 22 shots while FC Utrecht only had eight. Can the Alkmaarders take revenge on Saturday, or will FC Utrecht extend their lead?
Players: One To Watch
The Utrecht team will hope for the return of Sébastien Haller, who impressed when he came on against Feyenoord last weekend and in the cup match against RKC Waalwijk (where he single-handedly turned the game around with two goals). Haller is also currently on 73 goals and 26 assists in the Eredivisie and could be involved in his 100th goal.
For a creative spark, he is supported by Yoann Cathline, who has made more successful dribbles than any other player in the Eredivisie this season (40, tied with two other players). The two will, however, have to contend with two-time Johan Cruijff Talent of the Month Wouter Goes, as AZ has not lost any Eredivisie match this season with the young player in the starting lineup (9 wins, 2 draws), whereas the team has lost five times without him (1 win, 1 draw, 5 losses).
Moreover, AZ has a powerful attacking weapon in the form of the reigning Eredivisie Player of the Month Troy Parrott. The Irish striker failed to score in his first five away matches for AZ in the league but has found the net in the last four matches, including against Feyenoord and at NAC Breda. Can he continue his away form?
Watch the top match FC Utrecht - AZ live this Saturday at 18:45.
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