FC Eindhoven vs AZ Reserves Predictions

A run of four matches without a win has effectively ended FC Eindhoven’s Play-off chances with two games of the regular season remaining, as their only way in is to achieve maximum points from here and hope that several teams above them break down. The bookies expect David Nascimento’s side to take care of third bottom Jong AZ at Jan Louwers Stadion on Friday, but things may not be so straightforward for the hosts following a dismal performance against Helmond Sport on match day 36.

FC Eindhoven certainly missed an opportunity to close the gap to the Play-off places on Good Friday as they blew a two goal lead at home to Cambuur, but Monday afternoon’s effort away to 19^th placed Helmond Sport was beyond excusable.

Blauw-witten needed to win to stay in the hunt, but found themselves 2-0 just minutes into the second half after a woeful display. They managed to pull a goal back late in the day via the penalty spot, but they ultimately succumbed 2-1 to a Sport side that have lost 23 of their 36 games this term.

Eindhoven dropped down to 14^th over the course of the weekend as a result, and they are now five points behind 10^th placed RKC with two to play. They face Fred Grim’s team in Waalwijk on the last day of the season which could present a slim opportunity for them if they win here, but they essentially need the likes of Roda JC, NEC and MVV to lose both of their remaining fixtures as well.

The feeling is that Eindhoven will be extremely flat for this week’s home clash with Jong AZ, and Nascimento’s charges simply can’t be touched in the betting at around the 8/11 mark. Recent form alone makes those odds look skinny, but there are plenty of doubts around how they will apply themselves with their prospects so bleak.

Jong AZ will hope to take advantage and Michel Vonk’s young side battled their way to a tremendous 0-0 draw away to Twente on Monday afternoon. The Enschede outfit were clearly on edge as they were playing to secure the title and automatic promotion to Eredivisie, but Jong have to be commended all the same for holding the newly crowned champions.

Overall results on the road have been poor for AZ this season with ten defeats suffered from 18 outings, though they have managed to beat fellow stragglers Jong Utrecht and Helmond Sport on their travels in 2019.

They claimed an unlikely 1-3 success here in 2017/18 which will definitely give them confidence going into this clash – and we think the visitors are a solid bet in the double chance market at a touch of odds-against, taking FC Eindhoven’s form and circumstances into account, as well as the fact that they have only won five of their 18 home games this term.

Vonk’s side have been keeping things much tighter lately on their travels with just five goals conceded in their last six, so with a tame effort from the hosts anticipated here we think 0-0 is worth chancing also in the correct score market.