Nijmegen vs AZ Alkmaar Prediction & Betting Tips (28 September)

NEC Nijmegen will host AZ Alkmaar on September 28 in what promises to be a compelling Eredivisie clash at Goffertstadion. The home side, led by coach Dick Schreuder, enters the fixture with a mixed bag of recent results, having lost their last two matches, including a 3-5 defeat to PSV Eindhoven. Despite the setback, Nijmegen showed attacking promise with goals from El Kachati, Chery, and Misidjan. Their offensive output remains impressive, averaging 3.2 goals per game, though defensive frailties persist with 12 goals conceded in their last six outings.

AZ Alkmaar, under the guidance of Maarten Martens, arrive in Nijmegen riding a wave of momentum. The Alkmaar side has strung together four consecutive wins, the latest being a 2-1 triumph over Heracles Almelo, with goals from Mexx Meerdink and Alexandre Penetra. Their form away from home has been solid, with eight wins in their last 14 road games. Defensively, AZ have been more disciplined than their hosts, conceding just four goals in their last six matches while maintaining a scoring streak that stretches across 18 consecutive fixtures.

Historically, AZ Alkmaar have had the upper hand in this matchup, winning five of their last seven meetings against Nijmegen. However, the Goffertstadion has seen its share of surprises, and Nijmegen’s attacking flair could tilt the balance. With both teams boasting firepower and a tendency to concede, the stage is set for a high-tempo encounter. AZ’s tactical discipline and recent form give them a slight edge, but Nijmegen’s home advantage and urgency to bounce back could prove decisive.

In a match brimming with attacking potential and defensive vulnerabilities, a 2-1 scoreline in favor of Nijmegen feels plausible. Expect the hosts to capitalize on early momentum, possibly netting through Misidjan or Chery, while AZ will likely respond through Meerdink. The deciding factor may be Schreuder’s ability to tighten his backline just enough to hold off Alkmaar’s late surge. With both teams poised to score, the margins will be razor-thin, but Nijmegen could just edge it in front of their home crowd.