Preview: RKC Waalwijk vs. AZ Alkmaar - prediction, team news, lineups

RKC Waalwijk play host to AZ Alkmaar at the Mandemakers Stadion for the start of their Eredivisie campaign on Saturday.

Having ended last season in third place, losing second spot by just a single point, the visitors will be ready to compete at the top once more.

Match preview

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AZ Alkmaar finalised their preparation for the new campaign on a high courtesy of a 2-1 win over Torino at the AFAS Stadion on Sunday.

Pascal Jansen's men found themselves behind in next to no time following Marko Pjaca's first-minute opener, before goals in either half from Jesper Karlsson and Vangelis Pavlidis turned the game on its head.

Following their latest triumph, the Cheeseheads have now won each of their last four pre-season outings and head into the new domestic season in fine form.

First up for them is a Waalwijk side who they have beaten in 10 of the last 12 encounters between the teams including both of last season's league meetings.

However, Saturday's visitors have failed to win any of their last three opening-day fixtures which have come on the road, and they will be keen to put an end to that run.

Waalwijk suffered a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Heracles in their final warm-up fixture for the new season at the Erve Asito on July 30.

Bilal Basacikoglu, Rai Vloet, Orestis Kiomourtzoglou and Noah Fadiga were all on target as Joseph Oosting's men continued their horrible form on the road.

After surviving relegation by the skin of their teeth last time out, RKC know that they have work to do if they are to extend their three-year stay in the top tier.

Saturday's hosts could do with a positive result having lost both of their opening-day fixtures since their return to the Eredivisie.

Team News

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Jasper Karlsson has been in superb scoring form of late, registering four times in his last four outings for the away side.

Hobie Verhulst is expected to start in goal for AZ Alkmaar following Marco Bizot's move to Stade Brestois 29 earlier in the month.

Dutch defender Owen Wijndal missed all of his side's pre-season matches and is ruled out due of this weekend's clash due to a groin injury.

In the absence of last season's joint top-scorer Cyril Ngonge, Finn Stokkers will be heavily relied upon to provide firepower for the home side in attack.

Jurien Gaari received his marching orders in Waalwijk's last involvement, but he will be eligible to feature in this one.

RKC Waalwijk possible starting lineup:
Vaessen; Lutonda, Touba, Meulensteen, Bakari; Azhil, Van der Venne, Bel Hassani; Daneels, Buttner, Stokkers

AZ Alkmaar possible starting lineup:
Verhulst; Karlsson, Letschert, Martins Indi, Sugawara; Clasie, Midtsjo, Reijnders; Aboukhlal, Oosting, Gudmundsson

We say: RKC Waalwijk 1-3 AZ Alkmaar

AZ Alkmaar have the mental edge ahead of this one as they have exhibited their dominance over RKC in the past. We are tipping them to claim a relatively comfortable victory and kick off their season in grand style.