AZ Alkmaar v SC Heerenveen: Forecast, Odds and Bets
On Thursday 22 May 2025, AZ Alkmaar will welcome SC Heerenveen at the AFAS Stadion as both sides vie for a crucial advantage in the Europa League Play-offs Round 1 of the Dutch Eredivisie. It’s a clash that could define each team’s momentum heading into the offseason.
Kick-off is set for 18:45 CEST in Italy, Germany, France and Spain, while viewers in the UK can tune in at 17:45 BST. With European qualification on the line, expect intensity and high drama from the first whistle.
How are both teams coming into this?
AZ Alkmaar have struggled for consistency, claiming just four wins in their last 15 fixtures. Despite impressive individual performances, the home side have dropped points in matches they were expected to dominate, leaving their Europa prospects hanging in the balance.
SC Heerenveen arrive in marginally better form, securing five victories during the same span. However, defensive lapses on the road have frequently undermined their efforts. To upset AZ at the AFAS Stadion, they must shore up the backline and find cutting edge in attack.
Our forecast
We foresee a tight encounter tilted in AZ’s favor, driven by their home support and attacking flair. Heerenveen are likely to sit deep and hit on the counter, but the hosts should create more clear-cut opportunities across 90 minutes.
Our top pick is an AZ Alkmaar win by a one-goal margin, with a strong chance of over 2.5 total goals if both sides commit men forward. This balanced outcome offers attractive value for risk-averse bettors.
