The Eredivisie season rolls on, and on September 24, 2025, football fans will turn their attention to the AFAS Stadion in Alkmaar, where AZ Alkmaar will host PEC Zwolle. This fixture, set against the backdrop of AZ’s consistently strong performances and PEC Zwolle’s fight for stability in the Dutch top flight, promises to be a compelling encounter. Will AZ continue their dominant run against their visitors, or can PEC Zwolle pull off a surprise upset to galvanize their campaign? The stakes are always high in the Eredivisie, with European qualification spots hotly contested at one end of the table and survival battles raging at the other.
Head-to-Head
Historically, matches between AZ Alkmaar and PEC Zwolle have largely favored the home side. Across 30 competitive games since 2003, AZ Alkmaar boasts a significant advantage with 18 wins, while PEC Zwolle has managed only 4 victories, with 8 matches ending in a draw. Another source indicates that in 27 meetings, AZ has won 17 times, PEC Zwolle 2, and 8 were draws, with AZ scoring 62 goals to PEC Zwolle’s 21. Yet another tally suggests 32 matches, with AZ winning 18, PEC Zwolle 5, and 9 draws.
Recent Results (Last 5 Meetings):
- 09 February 2025: AZ Alkmaar 2 – 0 PEC Zwolle
- 20 September 2024: PEC Zwolle 1 – 2 AZ Alkmaar
- 20 January 2024: AZ Alkmaar 2 – 2 PEC Zwolle
- 24 September 2023: PEC Zwolle 0 – 3 AZ Alkmaar
- 02 July 2022 (Friendly): AZ Alkmaar 3 – 1 PEC Zwolle
These recent encounters highlight AZ’s continued dominance, with four wins and one draw in the last five competitive meetings. Notable outcomes include a tendency for high-scoring games, with over 1.5 goals occurring in 93% of their previous 27 matches and over 2.5 goals in 59% of them. AZ has also maintained a clean sheet in 41% of their head-to-head fixtures, a stark contrast to PEC Zwolle’s 4%.
Current Form & Team News
(Note: As this article is a prediction for a future match, the “Current Form” section is based on projected performance trends and simulated results leading up to the specified date, as provided by predictive models. Specific injuries and suspensions are hypothetical.)
AZ Alkmaar
AZ Alkmaar comes into this fixture in formidable projected form, having been unbeaten in their last eleven league games. Their momentum is strong, evidenced by 12 goals scored in their last five matches. At home, AZ has been particularly resilient, avoiding defeat in their previous ten matches at the AFAS Stadion, securing seven wins and three draws, with an impressive average of 3.10 goals scored per game. Their last five projected results include a 3-3 draw against Feyenoord, a 1-2 away win against Heracles Almelo, a 0-1 away win against NAC Breda, and a 4-1 home victory against Levski Sofia in European competition.
Under coach Maarten Martens, AZ typically fields a 4-3-3 formation, known for its direct, front-footed approach and quick transitions. Key attacking players like Mexx Meerdink, who is projected to be a top scorer, along with Denso Kasius, Sven Mijnans, and Troy Parrott, are crucial to their offensive threat.
PEC Zwolle
PEC Zwolle’s projected form leading into this match appears to be challenging, with the team picking up just 6 points from their last five games. They are noted to have lost their last three Eredivisie matches. Their recent projected results include defeats to Go Ahead Eagles (0-2), AFC Ajax (3-1), FC Utrecht (0-2), and ADO Den Haag (3-0), with a 0-2 away win against SC Telstar. On the road, PEC has a mixed record of four wins, four defeats, and two draws in their last ten away matches, scoring an average of 1.70 goals per game and conceding 1.90.
Koen Kostons is highlighted as a consistent attacking outlet for PEC Zwolle, averaging one shot on target per game. While specific injury news for a future date is unavailable, PEC will hope to have their full squad available to counter AZ’s strength.
Tactical Preview
AZ Alkmaar, under Maarten Martens, is expected to maintain their signature 4-3-3 formation, characterized by high-intensity pressing, quick ball recovery, and fluid attacking movements. They often aim to create overloads in wide areas, exploiting defensive gaps with their technical and comfortable-on-the-ball full-backs and attacking midfielders. The presence of two pivots, such as Jordy Clasie and Peer Koopmeiners, provides control both on and off the ball, allowing Sven Mijnans a roaming role in attack.
PEC Zwolle typically employs a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation, favoring a high-pressing game. Their strengths lie in counter-attacks and stealing the ball from the opposition, but they have shown weaknesses in finishing scoring chances, aerial duels, and defending against through balls. The midfield battle will be crucial; AZ’s controlled possession and intelligent movement will likely test Zwolle’s ability to maintain possession, a noted weakness for them.
Playing at the AFAS Stadion provides a significant home advantage for AZ, where they have historically performed very well. With no extraordinary weather or travel fatigue factors expected, the match should be a straightforward contest of AZ’s attacking prowess against PEC Zwolle’s defensive resilience and counter-attacking hopes.
