Heerenveen vs AZ Alkmaar Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Both of these teams lost 3-1 in their first game back following the winter break, Heerenveen away at Feyenoord and AZ at home to Willem II, so both will be hoping to secure their first points of the new year on Saturday. Heerenveen edge the form guide with three wins, one draw, and two defeats from their last six matches (including friendlies), with AZ picking up three wins and suffering three defeats during that same period of matches.

Heerenveen have beaten AZ in two of the pairs last three encounters and have so far only lost once in their own backyard this season. The hosts have, however, picked up double the number of draws (6) as they have wins at home, which is why, along with the double chance bet, we have decided to back a 1-1 draw this weekend. AZ have lost two and drawn one of their nine away games and are more than capable of winning this game but the visitors have lost their last two away games at Sparta in the Eredivisie and Manchester Utd in the Europa League.

Both teams have scored in five of Heerenveen’s last six matches as well as in each of AZ’s last two outings (including friendlies) and we can see the pair both getting on the scoreboard this weekend. The hosts average 1.50 points per home game which is below the league average but that is down to 60% of their home games ending in stalemates, while AZ average 2.11 points per away game which is another of the reasons we have backed a draw this weekend.

The hosts have already beaten AZ this season

Heerenveen score an average of 1.20 goals per home game and concede an average of 1.00 goals, and with AZ conceding an average of 0.67 goals per away game you can see why we have predicted a final scoreline of 1-1. Heerenveen’s home games produce an average of 2.20 total goals, with just 30% of their home matches producing over 2.5 goals, while AZ’s away games produce an average of 2.67 total goals which ties in with our final scoreline prediction nicely.

Over 1.5 goals have been produced in 80% of Heerenveen’s home games as well as in 89% of AZ’s away games, adding further weight to our prediction for a 1-1 draw this weekend. The hosts have only failed to score in 10% of their home games, so even though AZ have a good clean sheets record this season, we expect to see both teams score in Saturday’s clash. Exactly 2-goals have been scored in half of Heerenveen;’s home games in the Eredivisie this season and we have backed another two to be netted this weekend as well.

We’re confident that a double chance bet on Heerenveen is the best way to bet on Saturday’s match and we have predicted a final scoreline of 1-1. Heerenveen have proved a tough nut to crack at home this season but have drawn too many games for their own liking, while AZ have dropped points in three of their away games so far and have lost their last two on the road in all competitions.