AZ Alkmaar play host to Groningen on Sunday already in the knowledge that they have missed out on a top-four place in the Eredivisie table.
Meanwhile, the visitors make the trip to the AFAS Stadion in a hotly-contested race to secure a spot in the European qualification playoffs.
Match preview
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In years gone by, it has generally been accepted that AZ Alkmaar are clear favourites to secure a top-four finish every season, securing European football in the process.
However, their only opportunity this time around will be through the European playoffs as they trail fourth place by 12 points with three games remaining.
Maarten Martens's witnessed his side record an emphatic 3-0 victory at KNVB Beker winners Go Ahead Eagles last time out, but the seven-match winless streak that preceded that contest has cost them.
With their last opponent having already earned a spot in the Europa League for 2025-26, AZ essentially have nothing to play for during the closing three fixtures having already guaranteed a home tie for the semi-finals.
However, improving their home record will feel imperative, with just seven wins coming from their 15 matches at the AFAS Stadion this season.
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A scenario could play out where Groningen are making a trip to that venue in the playoffs, but they must first get over the line to feature in that four-team competition.
Dick Lukkien will be delighted with how his players have delivered in the last two games, recording 4-1 and 6-1 victories over Heracles and RKC Waalwijk respectively.
As a result, they currently occupy the final playoff spot, yet there are only three points separating them and the last of three teams in close proximity.
With a home fixture against Ajax still on their schedule, collecting something from this encounter feels imperative, but this is a club that has delivered just two wins from 15 away league games during 2024-25.
Team News
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Martens will need to make a change to the AZ defence with Wouter Goes being sent off during the win at Go Ahead Eagles.
Either Maxim Dekker or Bruno Martins Indi are in line to return to the centre of the backline in what may prove to be the only alteration.
Jordy Clasie and Troy Parrott are among a number of players who will miss this fixture through injury.
Barring any fitness issues, Lukkien could stick with the Groningen starting lineup from the 6-1 win over RKC Waalwijk.
Even though substitutes Mats Seuntjens and Brynjolfur Willumsson combined for the last goal of that fixture, it would be a surprise if it earned them a recall.
AZ Alkmaar possible starting lineup:
Owusu-Odoro; Maikuma, Dekker, Penetra, Wolfe; Smit, Koopmeiners, Poku, Mijnans, Van Bommel; Meerdink
Groningen possible starting lineup:
Vaessen; Rente, Ekdal, Blokzijl, Peersman; Bacuna, Resink; Schreuders, Valente, Kwakman; Van Bergen
We say: AZ Alkmaar 2-1 Groningen
Although Groningen have more at stake on Sunday, it is debatable whether that will play into their favour or not. Given that AZ got back to winning ways last time out, they may have regained enough confidence to edge this fixture by the odd goal in three.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
