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Match Prediction

AZ Alkmaar vs Excelsior Prediction

Finished
Netherlands flag Netherlands

AZ Alkmaar

€145.93m

21 Jan12:45
1 : 1

Excelsior

€16.25m

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AZ Alkmaar vs Excelsior Prediction Eredivisie

AZ Alkmaar vs Excelsior Prediction: Stats, Form & Smart Betting Tips

Welcome to NerdyTips’ expert take on the AZ Alkmaar vs Excelsior prediction for their upcoming Eredivisie encounter on January 21, 2026. If you’re looking for a blend of sharp analysis, recent form, and the best betting tips, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the story behind the stats and see what makes this fixture more than just a numbers game.

Match Context: History, Form, and What’s at Stake

When AZ Alkmaar and Excelsior meet at the AFAS Stadion for this Round 16 Eredivisie fixture, the stage is set for a classic David vs Goliath scenario. The hosts, AZ Alkmaar, have been a consistent force in Dutch football, currently sitting 5th in the league and boasting a squad value of nearly €146 million—almost nine times that of Excelsior. The visitors, meanwhile, are fighting to keep their heads above water in 14th place, but as football fans know, surprises do happen.

  • AZ Alkmaar have dominated recent head to head meetings, remaining unbeaten in their last five against Excelsior (4 wins, 1 draw).
  • In their last encounter, AZ Alkmaar thrashed Excelsior 8-0, underlining the gulf in class.
  • AZ have scored 13 goals in their last five matches, while Excelsior have managed 6.
  • Historically, AZ Alkmaar have 14 wins to Excelsior’s 6 in 28 meetings, with 8 draws.

Despite their superior record, AZ Alkmaar aren’t without their headaches. Key players like Denso Kasius, Jordy Clasie, and Mexx Meerdink are sidelined, and doubts linger over Ruben van Bommel and Seiya Maikuma. Excelsior, for their part, will miss Chris-Kevin Nadje and Mathijs Tielemans, with Lennard Hartjes still recovering from a long-term injury.

Tactics, Trends, and Noteworthy Numbers

AZ Alkmaar, under Maarten Martens, are known for their possession-based approach and attacking intent—reflected in their projected 67% ball possession and 19 shots for this match. Their ability to win penalties (a league-high 8 this season) and create chances from wide areas could be decisive, especially against an Excelsior side that struggles to keep the ball.

  • Excelsior will likely rely on goalkeeper Stijn van Gassel, who is second in the league for saves per match (4.5), to keep them in the game.
  • Gyan de Regt has been Excelsior’s creative spark, leading the team in big chances created (6).
  • The AFAS Stadion, with its 19.000 capacity, is expected to be buzzing, especially after the fixture was postponed earlier to allow AZ to focus on continental duties.

While Excelsior did pull off a shock win at Ajax earlier this season, the odds are stacked against them here. AZ Alkmaar’s recent away draw at PSV Eindhoven (2-2) showed their resilience, and with their attacking firepower, they’ll be looking to put on a show for the home crowd.

AZ Alkmaar vs Excelsior Prediction: Odds, AI Tips & Betting Value

Now, let’s get to the heart of our AZ Alkmaar vs Excelsior prediction: the numbers, the tips, and what they mean for your bets.

  1. Match Odds:
    • Home win: 1.35
    • Draw: 5.8
    • Away win: 9.0
  2. Best Tip: Our AI-generated best tip is a home win (1), with a sky-high confidence of 9.0/10 and odds of 1.35. The 1x2 market is crystal clear: trust AZ Alkmaar to get the job done.
  3. Over/Under: Over 2.5 goals is a strong pick here, with a confidence of 8.0/10 and odds of 1.41. Both teams have shown they can find the net, but AZ’s firepower should tip the scales.
  4. Predicted Score: 3:2 in favor of AZ Alkmaar, with a 1:1 scoreline expected at halftime. This suggests Excelsior could make things interesting before AZ pulls away.

Digging deeper, the stats support these betting tips:

  • AZ Alkmaar are expected to dominate possession (67%) and rack up 19 shots (7 on target).
  • Excelsior, despite their underdog status, are predicted to get 8 shots (2 on target) and could capitalize if AZ’s defense wobbles.
  • Expect a lively game with 10 corners (7 for AZ), but discipline should prevail—just one yellow card each is projected.

With AZ Alkmaar’s superior squad value, home advantage, and recent head to head dominance, it’s no surprise the home win is the standout pick. But Excelsior’s ability to spring a surprise—like their win at Ajax—means the over 2.5 goals market offers extra value for those looking for a bit more excitement.

Final Thoughts: Betting Tips Recap

  1. AZ Alkmaar vs Excelsior prediction: Home win (1) at 1.35 odds. Trust level: 10/10.
  2. Over 2.5 goals at 1.41 odds. Confidence: 8/10.
  3. Predicted score: 3:2 for AZ Alkmaar, with a lively first half.

In summary, all signs point to AZ Alkmaar taking the points, but don’t be shocked if Excelsior make them work for it. For those seeking value, the over 2.5 goals bet looks particularly appealing given both teams’ recent scoring form. That’s our AZ Alkmaar vs Excelsior prediction—may your bets be as sharp as your insights!

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AI Predictions
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Best Tip

The best betting football prediction for AZ Alkmaar vs Excelsior

1 -286

AZ Alkmaar is expected to win with odds of -286
10/10

1x2 Tip

1 -286

AZ Alkmaar is expected to win with odds of -286
10/10

Total Goals

Over 2.5 -208

At least 3 goals will be scored in the match
8/10

Both Teams To Score

Yes -128

Both teams are expected to score
2/10

Bet Builder Tip

1X&O2.5 -152

Home win/draw and over 2.5 goals
7/10
Both Teams To Score

Half-Time Score

1:1

Correct Score

3:2

Stats Predictions

2.28
xG
0.81
67%
Ball Possession
33%
19
Total Shots
8
7
Shots on Goal
2
6
Shots Off Goal
3
7
Corners
3
1
Yellow Cards
1

Average / Match

1.91
Expected Goals
1.48
3.2
Total Goals
2.9
2.1
Goals Scored
1.1
1.1
Goals Against
1.8
61%
Possession
50%
17.5
Total Shots
12.8
7.1
Shots on Goal
4.1
6
Shots off Goal
5.8
10.6
Fouls
12.7
7
Corners
5.5
1.1
Offsides
1
2.14
Yellow Cards
1.75
477
Total Passes
437

Overview Last 10 Matches

5
Wins
3
7
Over 1.5 Goals
8
6
Over 2.5 Goals
6
5
Over 3.5 Goals
3
4
Both Teams Scored
6
0
Unexpected Wins
1
1
Unexpected Loses
1

Head to Head

AZ Alkmaar
9 - 7 - 4
Excelsior
AZ Alkmaar AZ Alkmaar 13-Jul-24
8:0
Excelsior Excelsior
AZ Alkmaar AZ Alkmaar 10-Mar-24
4:0
Excelsior Excelsior
Excelsior Excelsior 04-Nov-23
1:1
AZ Alkmaar AZ Alkmaar
AZ Alkmaar AZ Alkmaar 10-Feb-23
5:0
Excelsior Excelsior
Excelsior Excelsior 11-Jan-23
1:4
AZ Alkmaar AZ Alkmaar
Excelsior Excelsior 23-Oct-22
2:1
AZ Alkmaar AZ Alkmaar
Excelsior Excelsior 15-May-19
4:2
AZ Alkmaar AZ Alkmaar
AZ Alkmaar AZ Alkmaar 15-Dec-18
2:1
Excelsior Excelsior
Excelsior Excelsior 03-Mar-18
1:2
AZ Alkmaar AZ Alkmaar

Profile time Recent Matches of AZ Alkmaar

31 Jan AZ Alkmaar AZ Alkmaar.
-
Nijmegen. Nijmegen
25 JanW Telstar Telstar.
0:1
AZ Alkmaar. AZ Alkmaar
21 JanD AZ Alkmaar AZ Alkmaar.
1:1
Excelsior. Excelsior
17 JanL Zwolle Zwolle.
3:1
AZ Alkmaar. AZ Alkmaar
14 JanW AZ Alkmaar AZ Alkmaar.
6:0
Ajax. Ajax
10 JanW AZ Alkmaar AZ Alkmaar.
1:0
FC Volendam. FC Volendam
21 DecL Sittard Sittard.
4:3
AZ Alkmaar. AZ Alkmaar
18 DecD AZ Alkmaar AZ Alkmaar.
0:0
Jagiellonia. Jagiellonia
11 DecW Drita Drita.
0:3
AZ Alkmaar. AZ Alkmaar
07 DecD AZ Alkmaar AZ Alkmaar.
2:2
G.A. Eagles. G.A. Eagles

Profile time Recent Matches of Excelsior

24 JanDTwente Twente.
0:0
Excelsior.Excelsior
21 JanDAZ Alkmaar AZ Alkmaar.
1:1
Excelsior.Excelsior
17 JanDExcelsior Excelsior.
2:2
Telstar.Telstar
10 JanLPSV PSV.
5:1
Excelsior.Excelsior
20 DecWExcelsior Excelsior.
2:1
Zwolle.Zwolle
05 DecLExcelsior Excelsior.
0:2
Groningen.Groningen
29 NovWExcelsior Excelsior.
1:0
NAC Breda.NAC Breda
22 NovWAjax Ajax.
1:2
Excelsior.Excelsior
08 NovLExcelsior Excelsior.
1:2
Heracles.Heracles
01 NovDTelstar Telstar.
2:2
Excelsior.Excelsior

Netherlands - Eredivisie Netherlands - Eredivisie

Team Matches Goals Points
1 PSV Eindhoven PSV Eindhoven20
61-25
53
2 Feyenoord Feyenoord20
51-29
39
3 Ajax Ajax20
39-26
37
4 NEC Nijmegen NEC Nijmegen19
49-33
35
5 AZ Alkmaar AZ Alkmaar20
35-32
32
6 Sparta Rotterdam Sparta20
25-34
32
7 Groningen Groningen20
28-24
31
8 Twente Twente20
29-22
30
9 Fortuna Sittard Fortuna20
30-34
25
10 Heerenveen Heerenveen19
31-30
24
11 Utrecht Utrecht19
29-26
23
12 PEC Zwolle PEC Zwolle20
26-42
23
13 Excelsior Excelsior20
20-35
22
14 GO Ahead Eagles GO Ahead19
30-33
21
15 FC Volendam FC Volendam20
21-35
17
16 Telstar Telstar20
24-33
16
17 NAC Breda NAC Breda20
21-32
15
18 Heracles Heracles20
28-52
14
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