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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Digging deeper, the stats support these betting tips:
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Digging deeper, the stats support these betting tips:
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.
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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1 -286
AZ Alkmaar is expected to win with odds of -2861 -286
AZ Alkmaar is expected to win with odds of -286Over 2.5 -208
At least 3 goals will be scored in the matchYes -128
Both teams are expected to score1X&O2.5 -152
Home win/draw and over 2.5 goals
1:1
3:2
|
9
-
7
-
4
|
|
AZ Alkmaar |
13-Jul-24
8:0
| Excelsior ![]() |
AZ Alkmaar |
10-Mar-24
4:0
| Excelsior ![]() |
Excelsior |
04-Nov-23
1:1
| AZ Alkmaar ![]() |
AZ Alkmaar |
10-Feb-23
5:0
| Excelsior ![]() |
Excelsior |
11-Jan-23
1:4
| AZ Alkmaar ![]() |
Excelsior |
23-Oct-22
2:1
| AZ Alkmaar ![]() |
Excelsior |
15-May-19
4:2
| AZ Alkmaar ![]() |
AZ Alkmaar |
15-Dec-18
2:1
| Excelsior ![]() |
Excelsior |
03-Mar-18
1:2
| AZ Alkmaar ![]() |
| 31 Jan |
AZ Alkmaar.
|
-
| Nijmegen.
| |
| 25 Jan | W |
Telstar.
|
0:1
| AZ Alkmaar.
|
| 21 Jan | D |
AZ Alkmaar.
|
1:1
| Excelsior.
|
| 17 Jan | L |
Zwolle.
|
3:1
| AZ Alkmaar.
|
| 14 Jan | W |
AZ Alkmaar.
|
6:0
| Ajax.
|
| 10 Jan | W |
AZ Alkmaar.
|
1:0
| FC Volendam.
|
| 21 Dec | L |
Sittard.
|
4:3
| AZ Alkmaar.
|
| 18 Dec | D |
AZ Alkmaar.
|
0:0
| Jagiellonia.
|
| 11 Dec | W |
Drita.
|
0:3
| AZ Alkmaar.
|
| 07 Dec | D |
AZ Alkmaar.
|
2:2
| G.A. Eagles.
|
| 24 Jan | D | Twente. |
0:0 |
Excelsior.![]() |
| 21 Jan | D | AZ Alkmaar. |
1:1 |
Excelsior.![]() |
| 17 Jan | D | Excelsior. |
2:2 |
Telstar.![]() |
| 10 Jan | L | PSV. |
5:1 |
Excelsior.![]() |
| 20 Dec | W | Excelsior. |
2:1 |
Zwolle.![]() |
| 05 Dec | L | Excelsior. |
0:2 |
Groningen.![]() |
| 29 Nov | W | Excelsior. |
1:0 |
NAC Breda.![]() |
| 22 Nov | W | Ajax. |
1:2 |
Excelsior.![]() |
| 08 Nov | L | Excelsior. |
1:2 |
Heracles.![]() |
| 01 Nov | D | Telstar. |
2:2 |
Excelsior.![]() |
Netherlands - Eredivisie| Team | Matches | Goals | Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
PSV Eindhoven | 20 | 61-25 | 53 |
| 2 |
Feyenoord | 20 | 51-29 | 39 |
| 3 |
Ajax | 20 | 39-26 | 37 |
| 4 |
NEC Nijmegen | 19 | 49-33 | 35 |
| 5 |
AZ Alkmaar | 20 | 35-32 | 32 |
| 6 |
Sparta | 20 | 25-34 | 32 |
| 7 |
Groningen | 20 | 28-24 | 31 |
| 8 |
Twente | 20 | 29-22 | 30 |
| 9 |
Fortuna | 20 | 30-34 | 25 |
| 10 |
Heerenveen | 19 | 31-30 | 24 |
| 11 |
Utrecht | 19 | 29-26 | 23 |
| 12 |
PEC Zwolle | 20 | 26-42 | 23 |
| 13 |
Excelsior | 20 | 20-35 | 22 |
| 14 |
GO Ahead | 19 | 30-33 | 21 |
| 15 |
FC Volendam | 20 | 21-35 | 17 |
| 16 |
Telstar | 20 | 24-33 | 16 |
| 17 |
NAC Breda | 20 | 21-32 | 15 |
| 18 |
Heracles | 20 | 28-52 | 14 |