Sigthorsson and Poepon to shine in AZ Alkmaar vs. De Graafschap – Dutch Eredivisie preview
AZ Alkmaar will clash with the Eredivisie strugglers De Graafschap at the AZ Stadion on Sunday, May 1.
AZ Alkmaar
The Eredivisie’s bottom last side, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/AZ-c38571 2-1 at the Koning II Willem Stadion. AZ staged a poor show and were outclassed in every department on the pitch by the struggling Eredivisie
side.
The outfit from Alkmaar are currently placed fourth in the league table, looking set to play in the UEFA Europa League next season. They have achieved superior results in front of their home crowd, losing only twice from their 16 matches. They have an overall
record of 32 played, 16 won, 8 drawn and 8 lost.
Gertjan Verbeek, AZ manager, would be looking to restore his side’s composure in the upcoming encounter against the struggling Graafschap.
De Graafschap
The Superboeren were crowned Eerste Divisie champions last season and earned promotion to play in the Dutch top tier. However, Dutch top flight was a test too big for the De Graafschap as they have struggled to perform throughout the season.
The Super Farmers are currently placed 15th in the league table, six points clear of the relegation zone. With six points left to grab in the season, they have every right to remain optimistic to play in the Dutch top flight again next term.
The outfit from Doetinchem have a dismal record in the league. While they have performed reasonably well in front of their home crowd throughout the season, their away form has been erratic to say the least; the Superboeren have managed just two wins from
their 16 away games. De Graafschap have an overall record of 32 played, 8 won, 11 drawn and 13 lost.
Darije Kalezic, De Graafschap manager, is confident that his men will end the season on a high note and will stage their best performances of the season in the remaining two encounters. Kalezic knows that his side need a solitary point to prolong their stay
in the Eredivisie.
Players to watch
Kolbeinn Sigthorsson – AZ Alkmaar
The prolific striker has remained the leading marksman for his side this season, scoring 13 goals in 30 appearances. His good performances have attracted interest from a host of top European clubs, who are eager to sign the 21-year-old striker in the summer.
The Icelandic international will play a vital role in securing all three points for his side.
Rydell Poepen – De Graafschap
The Superboeren have scored 29 goals this season and 11 came from the feet of Poepen. It will be hard for the home side defenders to tie down the 22-year-old sensation, as he will put constant pressure on the home side’s back-line.
Head-to-Head statistics
AZ have remained the better of the two sides in their last five head-to-head encounters. AZ won three matches, one game ended in a stalemate while the Superboeren emerged victorious in the remaining fixture.
Prediction
It will be a hard fought encounter between the two teams, as both these sides would be gunning to bag all the points in this fixture. However, AZ would benefit from the home advantage and emerge 3-2 victors on the night.
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