AZ Alkmaar is set to face FC Twente in an important KNVB Beker quarter-final on Tuesday night at AFAS Stadion. Both teams come into the match with high hopes, fueled by their distinct aspirations in this year’s tournament.
Match Context
AZ Alkmaar finished as runners-up in the previous season’s KNVB Beker. They are eager to build on that success, while FC Twente hopes to progress further after exiting the last competition in the round-of-16 against eventual champions Go Ahead Eagles. This shared experience adds extra motivation for both teams.
Recent Form
AZ Alkmaar
AZ is currently navigating a transition phase, having replaced head coach Maarten Martens despite a memorable 6–0 win over Ajax in the last round. Their recent form reflects inconsistency, with results including:
- Loss to PEC Zwolle (1–3)
- Draw against Excelsior (1–1)
- Narrow win over Telstar (1–0)
- Loss to NEC Nijmegen (1–3)
New head coach Lee-Roy Echteld has indicated that advancing in the cup is vital for AZ to rejuvenate their season.
FC Twente
FC Twente approaches the match in strong form, remaining unbeaten in their last 14 matches. However, their momentum has been slightly halted by recent draws. Their notable results include:
- Draw against NAC Breda (2–2)
- Win against FC Utrecht (2–1) in the cup
- Draws against PEC Zwolle and Excelsior
Head coach John van den Brom has acknowledged depth issues in the squad, but their away performance remains a confidence booster.
Injury Concerns
AZ Alkmaar
AZ will face a tough challenge with a long injury list. Players absent from the fixture include:
- Jordy Clasie (ankle injury)
- Sven Mijnans (sidelined)
- Denso Kasius (ankle injury)
- Mexx Meerdink (ligament injury)
FC Twente
FC Twente will also be without key players, which could significantly impact their performance. Expected absentees include:
- Mees Hilgers (injury)
- Robin Propper (injury)
- Taylor Booth (sidelined)
- Ramiz Zerrouki (doubtful due to injury)
Predictions and Lineups
For the upcoming match, expected lineups include:
| AZ Alkmaar | FC Twente |
|---|---|
| Zoet; De Wit, Goes, Maikuma, Penetra | Unnerstall; M. Rots, Nijstad, Lemkin, Van Rooij |
| Koopmeiners, Boogaard, Sin; Jensen, Daal, Parrott | Van den Belt, Kjolo, Verschueren; Orjasaeter, D. Rots; Van Wolfswinkel |
While both teams have their strengths and weaknesses, predictions lean toward a victory for AZ Alkmaar, possibly ending with a score of 2–1 after extra time.
