AZ Alkmaar - Excelsior predictions

AZ Alkmaar are likely on their way to a decisive victory, and it’s hard to feel optimistic about the visitors’ prospects. Bookmakers are pricing a home win at 1.28, which is quite in line with most expert opinions.

Though it may not be particularly attractive to punters, this match is at least easy to predict. Anything but a Home Win is probably wishful thinking for Excelsior, whose victory has been priced at a hefty 10.71.

The hosts are coming on the back of a disappointing draw at Sparta Rotterdam. Although they played as visitors, the bookies were quite optimistic about their chances of taking 3 points, and they even took the lead in the first half. It’s a shame they lost all momentum before the end.

Excelsior’s previous Eredivisie bout ended up with them playing from behind throughout, ultimately recording a 5:2 defeat. The odds were stacked against them from before kick-off, though. They were the clear underdogs in that matchup against Fortuna Sittard, and couldn’t count on the support of their home fans either.

Excelsior may need to work on their defence if they want to get anywhere. In the 3 most recent matches they played, they conceded more than 5 times in total, which is not a good record to have.

These two teams have shown to be evenly matched throughout the season. They’ve recorded multiple draws since the competition began, which doesn’t sit well with AZ Alkmaar because they’re the favourites. They’ll have a shot at finally getting a positive score, though.

There’s an interesting development over at AFAS Stadion. It seems both teams have been struck hard by injuries. On one hand, Denso Kasius, S. Westerveld, Bruno Martins Indi, Lewis Schouten, Mayckel Lahdo will not be playing for the hosts. Conversely, Couhaib Driouech, Serano Seymor, Jacky Donkor, Lennard Hartjes, Kik Pierie, M. Benita, Ian Smeulers will all be unavailable on the away side. Both teams will have to deal with limited options.

Our advice is to stay on the safe side and go for the Over 2.5 Goals market. It’s reliable, very probable, and available at odds of 1.57 if you use the 888Sport sportsbook.