Eredivisie - Netherlands
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AZ Alkmaar vs Excelsior Wed, 21 January 2026 - 12:45 Stadium: AFAS Stadion
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Eredivisie
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AZ Alkmaar vs Excelsior
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Wed, 21 January 2026 - 12:45 Stadium: AFAS Stadion

Prediction: AZ Alkmaar vs Excelsior - Eredivisie Preview & Prediction

Predicted Lineups & Tactical Comparison

AZ Alkmaar boasts a home record that is hard to beat, with a balanced approach between possession and attacking play, usually favoring quick counter-attacks. Excelsior tends to press less intensely but looks to defend compactly and exploit counter-attacks. These contrasting styles could influence the outcome, with AZ likely controlling possession and creating more goal-scoring opportunities.

Check out our complete thoughts below.

Betting Tips & Markets

TipStrike Expect a high-scoring game with over 1.5 goals and a win or draw for AZ Alkmaar. A combined bet on AZ Alkmaar or draw with over 1.5 goals offers good value.

AZ Alkmaar vs Excelsior Betting Tips

These are our top betting tips and predictions for the match.

👉 Our prediction is: BTTS - Yes

Both teams have scored in recent head-to-head meetings, so Both Teams To Score (BTTS) Yes is a plausible option.

👉 Our prediction is: Asian Handicap Prediction

AZ Alkmaar -1.0 with high confidence, considering their strong home record and attacking threats.

👉 Our prediction is: Over/Under 2.5 Goals

Expect over 2.5 goals, given both teams’ attacking trends and past high-scoring encounters.

👉 Our prediction is: First Half/Full Time Prediction

AZ Alkmaar could lead at halftime, continuing their dominant recent performances.

Match Prediction & Analysis

AZ Alkmaar are likely to extend their winning streak against Excelsior, leveraging their home advantage and attacking prowess. Their recent dominant performances make them favorites to secure a win or at least obtain a draw in this upcoming match.

Head-to-Head Record

Recent encounters heavily favor AZ Alkmaar, who have won their last four meetings against Excelsior, including a 8-0 victory in a friendly.

Player Absences & Injuries

L. Hartjes from Excelsior is doubtful due to jumper's knee, potentially weakening their midfield.

Team Lineups & Tactics

AZ Alkmaar may line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasizing possession and attacking build-up. Excelsior is likely to use a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, focusing on counter-attacks and defensive resilience.

Team Form & Recent Results

AZ Alkmaar’s form is inconsistent but shows strong home performances. Excelsior’s recent away form is mixed, with defensive vulnerabilities.

AZ Alkmaar vs Excelsior: Match Preview, Tactical Insights & Predictions

See below all the main information for this match.

AZ Alkmaar has a strong recent record in head-to-head encounters with Excelsior, winning the last four matches. Their form at home is particularly impressive, giving them a psychological edge in this upcoming fixture.

AZ Alkmaar tends to dominate Excelsior in their encounters, often winning comfortably. Their home form and offensive output suggest a significant advantage in the upcoming match, making them the favorite to claim maximum points.

Excelsior's recent performances have been inconsistent, but they have a solid record away from home with some good defensive displays. This could make the fixture more competitive than the recent head-to-head form might suggest.

The fixture is scheduled for January 21, 2026, at the AFAS Stadion in Alkmaar. With AZ Alkmaar showing strong form at home and Excelsior facing some injury concerns, AZ Alkmaar are poised to maintain their dominance.

Key absentee L. Hartjes is missing for Excelsior due to a jumper’s knee, which could impact their midfield stability. AZ Alkmaar are expected to field their strongest lineup, setting the stage for a competitive match.

Based on current form, recent head-to-head results, and tactical tendencies, AZ Alkmaar is likely to secure a victory or at least a draw with a close scoreline in the upcoming fixture.

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