On Thursday night, AZ Alkmaar and Ajax go head-to-head in one of the semi-finals of the Netherlands KNVB Cup. The clash should be a fascinating clash between two of the Eredivisie’s best teams.
AZ Alkmaar have a strong recent record going into this clash. In fact, Pascal Jensen’s team are now unbeaten in their last 18 matches in all competitions. They have also recorded five straight victories in all competitions.
Highlights of today's friendly. ↓#ajaher— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) February 28, 2022
Highlights of today's friendly. ↓#ajaher
Last time out they recorded a 2-1 home win over Feyenoord. The game saw the home side score at least two goals for the fifth straight game in all competitions.
AZ have won their last three games in the KNVB Cup, having scored at least two goals in all three victories. They have beaten Heracles, FC Twente and RKC Waalwijk on their way to the semi-finals. Eredivisie league leaders Ajax should present a bigger challenge though.
Ajax are in their almost perennial position at the top of the Eredivisie table, although the race for the Dutch title looks to be a lot closer this season than it has been in the past.
While retaining the Dutch Eredivisie title may be their priority, the team from the Dutch capital will also be keen to retain their KNVB crown for another season.
Ajax have an excellent recent record in the Dutch Cup in recent seasons, having won 14 of their last 15 matches in the competition.That run includes winning their last eight matches in the KNVB Cup.
The reigning Dutch champions have also been prolific in the cup competition, scoring at least two goals in their last six matches.
Forebet predicts that Ajax will record a victory in a tight, low-scoring affair to end AZ’s recent stellar run of form and book their place in the KNVB Cup final.