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AZ Alkmaar will invite Ajax to AFAS Stadion in the KNVB Cup round of 16 on Tuesday. The hosts overcame Groningen in the previous round while de Godenzonen eased past Telstar last month.
Alkmaar head into the match in great form and are unbeaten in their last nine games. They played PSV in their first Eredivisie game of the year last week and were held to a 2-2 draw. Mayckel Lahdo scored in the first half and Mexx Meerdink was on the scoresheet after the break.
The visitors extended their winning streak in all competitions to four games with a 2-1 home win over Waalwijk in their first Eredivisie match of the year on Saturday. Steven Berghuis scored in the fourth minute and Kenneth Taylor doubled their lead in the 41st minute, with Jordan Henderson providing the assist.
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AZ Alkmaar vs AFC Ajax Amsterdam Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- The two teams have crossed paths 110 times in all competitions. As expected, the visitors have the upper hand in these meetings with 65 wins. Alkmaar have 25 wins and 20 games have ended in draws.
- The hosts are unbeaten in their last five games in this fixture, recording four wins. They registered a 2-1 home win in the Eredivisie earlier this season.
- The visitors have the upper hand in the KNVB Cup meetings against AZ, leading 6-5 in wins.
- AZ Alkmaar are unbeaten in their last five home games, recording four consecutive wins.
- Ajax have suffered two defeats in their last 12 away games in all competitions, with one coming against Alkmaar.
- The visitors have won their last three games in the KNVB Cup against Alkmaar while keeping clean sheets.
- The hosts have scored two goals apiece in five of their last six games in this fixture.
AZ Alkmaar vs AFC Ajax Amsterdam Prediction
De Kaasboeren have won six of their last nine games across all competitions. They have won their last four home games, scoring seven goals while keeping two clean sheets. They have won their last three home meetings against the visitors, scoring two goals each, and are strong favorites.
Bruno Martins Indi was on the bench in the draw against PSV and might get the nod to start here. Substitute Mexx Meerdink scored just seconds after coming off the bench and is also likely to start.
de Godenzonen have seen an upturn in form, recording four consecutive wins. They have scored nine goals while keeping three clean sheets and will look to continue that form here. Interestingly, they have just one win in their last eight meetings against the hosts, with that triumph coming in their away meeting in the KNVB Cup in 2022.
Owen Wijndal was stretchered off late in the league meeting against Waalwijk and faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Jorrel Hato was also subbed off as a precaution and is a doubt.
While both teams have been in good form, Alkmaar have been the better side in recent meetings in this fixture and should be able to eke out a narrow win.
Prediction: AZ Alkmaar 2-1 AFC Ajax Amsterdam
AZ Alkmaar vs AFC Ajax Amsterdam Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - AZ Alkmaar to win
Tip 2: Goals - Over/Under 2.5 Goals - Over 2.5 goals
Tip 3: At least one goal to be scored in the second half - Yes
Tip 4: Both teams to score - Yes
