FC Utrecht Reserves vs AZ Reserves Predictions

Jong Utrecht vs Jong AZ won’t get the juices flowing for many Eerste Divisie followers this Sunday as the Dutch second tier action resumes after the Christmas break, but this fixture could surprise in the entertainment department. The teams fought out a flowing 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture back in October, and there’s unlikely to be much between the sides this time around with just four points separating them at the wrong end of the table.

Jong AZ are undoubtedly in worse shape than the hosts though going into this basement scrap – Michel Vonk’s charges have lost seven of their last eight league games and are now without a win in 14.

They were looking fairly useful early in the campaign, especially after securing  a 3-2 victory over current 2^nd placed team Go Ahead Eagles on match day 5, but hopes of significantly bettering the 17^th place finish they achieved last term have swiftly faded away after a lengthy streak of dismal performances and results.

Indeed, that win against Go Ahead is their only success of the campaign to date, even despite the impressive form of striker Ferdy Druijf who has been prolific in front of goal this season with 14 scored so far.

With 41 goals conceded from their 19 games, it’s clear where AZ need to improve if they are to haul themselves off the foot of the table, and they shipped five when last on the road against Sparta Rotterdam on match day 18.

Confidence is obviously at rock bottom then for the visitors, but this fixture does provide them with a realistic chance of picking up some points, especially considering that Jong Utrecht have an even worse defensive record with 42 goals going in at the wrong end of the pitch.

Nonetheless, boss Robin Pronk will have been satisfied to occupy 17^th place at the end of 2018 following Utrecht’s wooden spoon last season, and the ultimate aim for them is to overhaul Jong AZ and rank as the third best reserve outfit at the end of the campaign.

Utrecht have won four and drawn two of the last six meetings between the teams which bodes well for them here, and they’ve been mightily good in their last three outings at Sportpark De Westmaat, beating Jong Ajax 4-3, Dordrecht 4-1 and holding league leaders Den Bosch to a 1-1 draw.

The hosts will surely have little trouble sealing a vital three points this weekend if they perform to anywhere near that standard, and we’re backing them to do just that at decent odds.

It’s unfathomable how the bookies can mark Jong AZ as marginal favourites for this clash based on their barren run, the head to head and Jong Utrecht’s excellent recent efforts on home turf, so we’re taking full advantage with a three point stake and also chancing a 4-2 correct score in favour of the hosts with a high scoring affair anticipated.