AZ Alkmaar vs Groningen Prediction & Betting Tips (10 August)

AZ Alkmaar enter their Eredivisie opener against FC Groningen with a renewed sense of purpose and a squad brimming with youthful energy. Under the guidance of head coach Maarten Martens, the team has had a solid preseason, including a confident showing in the UEFA Conference League qualifiers. Captain Jordy Clasie is back to full fitness after missing the KNVB Cup final last season, and his leadership in midfield will be crucial. The squad features promising talents like Troy Parrott, Ibrahim Sadiq, and Myron Van Brederode, while new arrivals such as Isak Steiner Jensen and Mateo Chávez add depth. Despite a recent friendly loss to Olympiacos, AZ’s tactical cohesion and attacking flair suggest they’re ready to start the domestic campaign on a high.

FC Groningen, meanwhile, return to Eredivisie action with cautious optimism. Head coach Dick Lukkien has overseen a summer of transition, with several new signings including Oskar Zawada and Younes Taha aiming to bolster the attack. Groningen’s preseason form has been mixed, with a notable double victory over Wrexham showcasing their offensive potential, especially through Icelandic forward Brynjólfur Willumsson. However, defensive frailties remain a concern, as seen in their recent 2-1 loss to NEC Nijmegen. The team’s midfield, led by Stije Resink and Mats Seuntjens, will need to be sharp to contain AZ’s dynamic playmakers.



Tactically, this matchup promises an intriguing contrast. AZ Alkmaar are expected to dominate possession and press aggressively, leveraging their technical midfield and pace on the wings. Groningen, on the other hand, may opt for a more pragmatic approach, relying on counterattacks and set pieces to exploit AZ’s high defensive line. The battle between Clasie and Seuntjens in the center of the park could be decisive, while both teams will look to their young forwards to provide the cutting edge. With AZ playing at home in the AFAS Stadion, their familiarity and crowd support could tip the balance.

Given the current form and squad dynamics, a 2-1 victory for AZ Alkmaar seems a plausible outcome. Groningen have shown they can score, but AZ’s overall quality and cohesion should see them through. Expect Parrott or Sadiq to find the net, with Groningen likely to respond through Willumsson. It won’t be a walkover, but AZ’s sharper edge and home advantage should be enough to secure all three points and kick off their Eredivisie campaign with a statement.

• Summary: AZ Alkmaar is going head to head with FC Groningen starting on 10 Aug 2025 at 12:30 UTC at AFAS Stadion stadium, Alkmaar city, Netherlands. The match is a part of the Eredivisie .
• Referee: Serdar Gozubuyuk
• AZ Alkmaar Feedinco Rating: 6.98
• Groningen Feedinco Rating: 6.84