Gertjan Verbeek would not be satisfied for anything less than three points in the upcoming tie against Peter Bosz’s men after dropping points against Ajax Amsterdam last week.
On Eredivisie match-day two, AZ Alkmaar will lock horns against Heracles Almelo at AFAS Stadion on August 19. It will be an entertaining battle between the two clubs, as both sides would be gunning to bag maximum points in this
fixture after dropping points in their opening match of the new season.
AZ Alkmaar
The Alkmaar outfit are heading in this match on the back of a hard fought 2-2 stalemate against Ajax Amsterdam at Amsterdam Arena last week.
Although, the Amsterdammers took the lead early in the game through Gregory van der Wiel, AZ responded well in the second-half by scoring quick goals, thanks to http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jozy-Altidore-c19634’s brilliance.
However, the visitors failed to hold on to their slim lead, as Kolbeinn Sigthorsson’s strike only seven minutes before the full time whistle ended the game in a 2-2 draw.
AZ finished fourth on the league table last term, despite remaining in contention to finish in the top two Eredivisie sides for several weeks. However, the Alkmaar outfit have set their sights on lifting the title at the end of
the ongoing campaign.
Gertjan Verbeek, the AZ head coach, was pleased with his side’s impressive show last week against the defending champions, and would be hoping that his side could replicate their performance against the Heraclieden to bag all three
points.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Heracles-Almelo-c39520
The Almelo-based club are coming in this match on the back of a demoralising 1-1 draw against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Everton-c39043 broke the deadlock in the 14th minute, but Brian Linssen restored parity moments before
the half-time break. Both sides staged far from pleasing show in the second-half, and the match ended in a 1-1 stalemate.
After finishing 12th on the league table in the 2011/12 season, the Heraclieden are aiming for a top-half table finish at the least this term. The Almelo outfit boss, Peter Bosz, knows that his side must try to bag maximum
points if they are to finish in the top ten Eredivisie sides.
Head-to-Head statistics
AZ have managed to emerge victorious in three of their last five encounters against Heracles. One match ended in a stalemate while the Heraclieden bagged all three points in the remaining fixture.
Players to watch
Jozy Altidore – http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/AZ-c38571 Alkmaar
After netting a brace against the reigning Eredivisie champions, the American ace is brimming with confidence, and has set his sights on becoming the leading goalscorer in the Dutch top flight. The visiting side’s defenders will
have a tough http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Job-c18684 in this game closing down the talented striker, and restricting him from finding the back of the net.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Remko-Pasveer-c30790 – Heracles Almelo
The 28-year-old goalkeeper will not have a relaxed game, and is expected to save several attempts on goal from the home side. The former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/FC-Twente-c39233 gloves man will have to perform at his best if his side is to achieve a good result.
Prediction
AZ have a strong record against the Heraclieden in recent times. In addition, the home advantage puts them as the favourites to emerge victorious.
Predicted score-line: AZ Alkmaar 2-0 Heracles Almelo
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