AZ Alkmaar arrive at Eredivisie round 1 on the back of three wins in five pre-season outings, including a 4-0 demolition of PSV in the Super Cup. Den Haag's warm-up record looks solid on paper - four wins from five - but those victories came against amateur and lower-tier opposition, while AZ tested themselves at a higher level. Jizz Hornkamp is listed absent for the hosts, but the attacking depth AZ showed across pre-season limits the concern.
AZ scored 12 goals in 5 recent matches and kept 2 clean sheets. Den Haag conceded in only 2 of their 5 outings, yet their goals against quality sides remain unproven. The market prices AZ at 1.45 to win outright, with Draw No Bet available at 1.15.
The DNB price of 1.15 is short, but the gap in class is real. The AH -1 at 1.68-1.70 offers better value: AZ have the firepower to cover a one-goal spread against a side stepping up in class. Back AZ -1 Asian Handicap at 1.70.
The numbers behind the tip
Form · last five
Goals per game · last five
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