Sparta Rotterdam - AZ Alkmaar predictions

While Sparta Rotterdam winning is still technically possible, we wouldn’t hold our breath. They are severely outmatched compared to AZ Alkmaar, so even a draw result would be quite surprising.

Though it won’t be the easiest match of their careers, AZ Alkmaar should be able to pull ahead for a victory. Most online bookmakers are pricing an away win at 1.88, which gives us confidence it’s the most likely outcome.

Sparta Rotterdam want to forget their previous Eredivisie match. Playing away from home they conceded early in the first half and never recovered. As a result, the NEC away defeat is definitely something they want to put behind them as soon as possible.

AZ Alkmaar performed admirably in their previous Eredivisie match – though their success was not exactly a surprise. They were tagged as favourites – though not by a large margin – and played on home turf, so the odds were stacked against their opponents Ajax.

Experts have pointed at Sparta Rotterdam’s defence as their biggest issue at the moment. They conceded 6 goals over the last 3 Eredivisie games.

AZ Alkmaar already won a match against Sparta Rotterdam this season while playing a home game. Even though they won’t have home-field advantage this time, they’re still considered favourites. After all, their previous victory was quite decisive and ended with a considerable lead.

Before assuming the favoured visitors will win, keep in mind that their lineup has been altered due to several injuries. S. Westerveld, Lewis Schouten, Ibrahim Sadiq will all be missing for various reasons, leaving the coach with a shorter lineup than usual.

And Under 2.5 Goals bet may not be the obvious choice, but that may be exactly what makes it good. The William Hill sportsbook is pricing this fixture at 2.20, which offers substantial betting value. It’s not without risks, of course, but it’s statistically an excellent choice.