Match: PEC Zwolle vs AZ Alkmaar
Competition: Netherlands Eredivisie
Date & Time (UTC): 5:45 PM, Saturday, 17 January 2026
Bangladesh Time (BST): 11:45 PM, Saturday, 17 January 2026 (UTC +6)
Venue: MACPARK Stadium, Zwolle
Match Preview: Zwolle vs AZ Alkmaar
PEC Zwolle welcome AZ Alkmaar in an Eredivisie fixture where the visitors arrive as clear favorites. AZ Alkmaar will aim to control the game with their structured buildup and attacking quality, while Zwolle are expected to rely on organization, home support, and counter-attacks to stay competitive.
This matchup often highlights the difference between AZ’s European ambitions and Zwolle’s fight for league stability.
Recent Form of Both Teams
PEC Zwolle – Last 5 Matches Form (Summary)
- ➖ Draw vs Heracles
- ❌ Loss vs PSV Eindhoven
- ❌ Loss vs Feyenoord
- ✅ Win vs Excelsior
- ➖ Draw vs NEC Nijmegen
Form Analysis:
Zwolle have struggled against top-tier sides but remain competitive at home. Defensive discipline and efficiency in transitions are crucial for them.
AZ Alkmaar – Last 5 Matches Form (Summary)
- ✅ Win vs Heerenveen
- ➖ Draw vs Ajax
- ✅ Win vs Fortuna Sittard
- ❌ Loss vs PSV Eindhoven
- ✅ Win vs Go Ahead Eagles
Form Analysis:
AZ Alkmaar have been consistent overall, showing strong attacking balance and solid defensive organization, particularly in away fixtures.
Head-to-Head Results: Last 5 Matches (Zwolle vs AZ Alkmaar)
Here are the most recent five head-to-head results between PEC Zwolle and AZ Alkmaar:
- AZ Alkmaar 3–1 Zwolle – AZ Win
- Zwolle 0–2 AZ Alkmaar – AZ Win
- AZ Alkmaar 2–1 Zwolle – AZ Win
- Zwolle 1–1 AZ Alkmaar – Draw
- AZ Alkmaar 4–0 Zwolle – AZ Win
H2H Insight:
AZ Alkmaar have dominated recent meetings, winning four of the last five encounters against Zwolle.
Key Players to Watch
PEC Zwolle
- Lennart Thy – Physical striker and aerial threat
- Thomas Lam – Defensive stability and leadership
- Eliano Reijnders – Energy and ball progression
AZ Alkmaar
- Vangelis Pavlidis – Clinical finisher and movement
- Jesper Karlsson – Creativity and wing play
- Bruno Martins Indi – Defensive experience and positioning
Injury & Team News
- PEC Zwolle: A few minor fitness concerns, but no confirmed long-term injuries.
- AZ Alkmaar: Mostly full squad available, with minor rotation possible.
(Final lineups should be confirmed closer to kickoff.)
Tactical Analysis & Match Expectations
PEC Zwolle are likely to:
- Defend in a compact low block
- Focus on counter-attacks
- Rely on set-pieces for scoring chances
AZ Alkmaar are expected to:
- Control possession and tempo
- Press high in midfield
- Create chances through wide areas and quick passing
An early AZ goal could force Zwolle to open up, favoring the visitors.
Zwolle vs AZ Alkmaar Match Prediction
Our Prediction:
AZ Alkmaar to Win
Possible Final Score:
PEC Zwolle 0–2 AZ Alkmaar
AZ’s superior quality, recent form, and strong head-to-head record give them a clear advantage.
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Trusted External Sources (For Verification & Updates)
- AZ Alkmaar Official Website – Team news & updates
- PEC Zwolle Official Website – Club information
- Eredivisie Official Website – Fixtures & standings
- Reputable football statistics platforms for form and head-to-head data