AZ Alkmaar — Zwolle : Match Preview and Prediction for August 24,2025

AZ Alkmaar: A Team in Peak Form

AZ is currently operating at an exceptional level. On Thursday, the team navigated a demanding away fixture in the UEFA Europa Conference League playoffs against Levski Sofia. In the intense atmosphere of a packed Bulgarian stadium, facing nearly thirty thousand hostile fans, Maarten Martens’ squad secured a commanding 2-0 victory. This impressive result clearly demonstrates the team’s superior quality and robust mental fortitude when performing under significant pressure.

Key Players Driving AZ’s Success

Irish forward Troy Parrott is in an extraordinary vein of form, having scored in his seventh consecutive match, thereby emulating Munir El Hamdaoui’s notable achievement. Ibrahim Sadiq also found the back of the net, highlighting the diverse attacking threats AZ possesses. Furthermore, special mention goes to the young midfielder Kees Smit, who emerged as one of the standout players in Bulgaria, masterfully orchestrating play from the central midfield.

Home Dominance and Offensive Prowess

At home this season, AZ has been absolutely devastating to their opponents. Their recent UEFA Europa Conference League qualification matches serve as prime examples, where they convincingly defeated Ilves (5-0) and Vaduz (3-0). Their Eredivisie campaign also kicked off with a resounding 4-1 triumph over Groningen. The team consistently scores prolifically, generates numerous chances, and truly thrives in their AFAS Stadium. Even the absence of the injured Sven Mijnans has not posed a significant problem, as the midfield partnership showcased its effectiveness in their last outing.

Zwolle’s Concerning Form Ahead of Eredivisie Clash

What about Zwolle? While AZ was battling on the European stage, the “Bluefingers” (PEC Zwolle’s nickname) played a friendly match – and what a match it was! A concerning 0-3 defeat against ADO Den Haag, a team from the second-tier Dutch division. This result unmistakably signals deep-seated issues within the squad, particularly concerning their defensive organization and stability.

Pre-Season Doubts Confirmed for Zwolle

Even before the season commenced, many analysts had already earmarked Zwolle as a strong candidate for relegation, describing their squad as “mediocre.” This recent friendly fixture only serves to validate those earlier apprehensions. Conceding three unanswered goals to a club from a lower division represents a significant blow to the team’s readiness and confidence for the Eredivisie season.

Transfer Market Activity and Bleak Prospects

The club is actively seeking reinforcements in the transfer market, a clear indicator of the current squad’s perceived weaknesses. The management evidently recognizes that achieving substantial objectives with the existing players will be an immense challenge. A trip to Alkmaar to face an in-form opponent in their current state promises a bleak outlook for Zwolle.