Opening up the 2026/27 Eredivisie campaign on Saturday night, AZ Alkmaar will welcome Den Haag to the AFAS Stadion.
With the rest of Europe’s elite domestic leagues set to make their respective returns over the next fortnight, there are plenty of eye-catching betting promotions available.
Verdict: AZ Alkmaar win
Best Odds: 4/9
Bookmaker: Odds: @ @ 1xBet
AZ Alkmaar
Starting with the hosts, producing what was an iconic performance last weekend as they stormed their way to the 2026 Johan Cruyff Shield, AZ Alkmaar certainly find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Springing what was an almighty upset away at reigning Dutch champions PSV as they cruised to a remarkable 4-0 romp, the Cheese Farmers will be dreaming of a repeat display on Saturday night. Likewise, signing off their summer preparations with a rollercoaster 3-2 victory against Greek giants Olympiacos, Lee-Roy Echteld’s men have their sights fixed on mounting a genuine Champions League charge this season. Really finding a clinical edge in the final third this summer, AZ Alkmaar will be confident of flying out of the traps here.
AZ Alkmaar Team News
Heavily linked with a move away this summer and with plenty of European clubs chasing his signature, it remains to be seen if leading marksman and ex-Tottenham youngster Troy Parrott will play any part on Saturday night.
Still sidelined with a long-term knee injury and not featuring across any competition since back in April, Jerdy Schouten will once again miss out here. Arriving from the Go Ahead Eagles this summer, Belgium shot-stopper Jari De Busser will start between the sticks.
Den Haag
As for the visitors, storming their way to an Eredivisie return back in April and embarking on what was a dominant second-tier romp during the 2025/26 campaign, Den Haag will be hoping to carry on from where they left off prior to the summer interval. However, with Robin Peter’s camp knowing that their sole focus will be on maintaining their Eredivisie status this season, the Storks will be bracing themselves for a stern examination on Saturday night. Falling to a 2-1 defeat when they last travelled to the AFAS Stadion back in January 2021, Den Haag hold a worrying record in Zaan. Losing four of their previous five trips to the Champions League chasers, Peter’s men are rightfully installed as a real underdog contender here.
Den Haag Team News
Arriving from German outfit Hoffenheim over the summer on a season-long loan switch, Yannick Eduardo should make his Eredivisie debut on Saturday night. One-time Brighton youngster Cameron Peupion should start in the middle of the park.
Storming his way to Den Haag’s Golden Boot last season after registering 29 direct goal contributions in his 37 second-tier appearances (17 goals, 12 assists), one-time Juventus youngster Kevin Monzialo will spearhead Peter’s attack.
AZ Alkmaar vs Den Haag Key Factors to Consider
- When AZ Alkmaar last welcomed Den Haag to the AFAS Stadion back in January 2021, Saturday’s hosts clinched a 2-1 victory.
- In fact, the Cheese Farmers have won four of their last five Eredivisie showdowns against Saturday’s guests on home soil.
- AZ Alkmaar have not suffered a single competitive defeat in front of their own supporters since way back on January 31st.
- Five of Den Haag’s final six appearances last season finished with over 2.5 goals.
- Kevin Monzialo registered 29 direct goal contributions in his 37 second-tier appearances last season (17 goals, 12 assists).
Conclusion
Laying down what was a sensational marker at the Phillips Stadion last week as they cruised their way to a remarkable 4-0 romp away at reigning Dutch champions PSV, AZ Alkmaar will be dreaming of a repeat display here. With their sights fixed on mounting a genuine Champions League charge this season, Saturday’s hosts have also found a real clinical edge over the summer. Likewise, landing a 2-1 victory when they last welcomed the Eredivisie newcomers to town back in January 2021, Alkmaar have won four of their previous five home meetings against Den Haag.
Verdict: AZ Alkmaar win
Best Odds: 4/9
Bookmaker: 1xBet
