Jong AZ Alkmaar had a poor season last year, finishing 17th on the Netherlands Eerste Divisie table. The AZ reserves will play Almere City in the first match of the season on Monday at AFAS Trainingscomplex, with the goal of improving their performance this season.
In the previous season's campaign, the hosts had three defeats in their last five games. Their previous match in any major competition came on the road, where they were defeated 2-1 by FC Volendam. In the previous season's Eerste Divisie, the visitors had scored 56 goals against 92 surrendered.
Meanwhile, Almere City finished the previous season's league schedule with a defeat. However, it was their only defeat in the previous five meetings. They'll be coming off an 0-4 loss at home to Nijmegen in the most recent important competition in their history.
When these two teams meet at AFAS Trainingscomplex, it's always a high-scoring contest. Four of Jong AZ Alkmaar's previous five home matches have resulted in victories. However, the home team has lost two of the last three head-to-head meetings with the visitors.
Furthermore, Almere City is now ranked fourth on the table. Despite a dismal record in previous games, the visiting is expected to make a league recovery this season. As a result, the best option will most likely be an away full-time win.
We predict 2.5 Over in this match
