De Graafschap (home)
- De Graafschap sits 3rd in the Eerste Divisie with 55 points from 33 matches, but they still have work to do in terms of making the play-offs and embedding the new tactical identity installed by coach Marinus Dijkhuizen since January of this year.
- De Graafschap has won two, drawn one and lost two in their last five.
Jong AZ Alkmaar (away)
- Jong AZ Alkmaar is 17th with 34 points.
- Jong AZ have won only one of their last five matches (W1, D1, L3).
Head-to-Head
- De Graafschap is the form favourite and has won three of the last five head-to-head encounters including a 3-1 win in Alkmaar six months ago.
- Jong AZ has failed to win in their two previous trips to Doetinchem.
Key Players
- Dijkhuizen has instilled his coach-driven structure and pragmatic approach on the team and players like Reuven Niemeijer, the club’s talisman who has bagged 16 league goals from 33 appearances, are starting to make it work.
- Niemeijer has been well supported by Nils Eggens, who has scored three goals in his last five games.
Betting Insights
- AZ’s defence have shipped 32 goals in their 17 away matches.
- De Graafschap concede an average of 1.65 at home.
- The odds of 1.74 on De Graafschap to earn a three-point boost towards the play-offs look fair.
Prediction
A midfield battle will ensue on Monday between the structured approach of De Graafschap and the systemic pressing and ball circulation of Jong AZ, but home advantage should see the hosts through.
