'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The Eredivisie returns with a set of Europa Conference League playoffs as Vitesse take on AZ Alkmaar on Thursday. Both teams can pack a punch on their day and will want to win this game.
AZ Alkmaar are in fifth place in the Eredivisie standings and have not been at their best in recent weeks. The away side eased past Heerenveen by a 2-0 scoreline last week and will be confident ahead of this fixture.
Vitesse, on the other hand, are in sixth place in the league table and have been fairly inconsistent this season. The hosts thrashed Utrecht 3-0 in their previous game and will look to achieve a similar result this week.
Vitesse vs AZ Alkmaar Head-to-Head
AZ Alkmaar have an impressive record against Vitesse and have won 22 of the 47 matches played between the two teams. Vitesse have managed 14 victories against AZ Alkmaar and will need to cut the deficit on Thursday.
The previous meeting between the two teams took place last month and ended in a 3-1 victory for AZ Alkmaar. Vitesse were poor on the day and will need to bounce back this week.
Vitesse form guide: W-L-D-W-L
AZ Alkmaar form guide: W-L-L-D-D
Vitesse vs AZ Alkmaar Team News
Vitesse
Jacob Rasmussen, Maximilian Wittek, Yann Gboho, and Alois Dominik Oroz are injured and have been ruled out of this fixture. Nikolai Frederiksen was sent off last week and is suspended for this match.
Injured: Jacob Rasmussen, Maximilian Wittek, Yann Gboho, Alois Dominik Oroz
Doubtful: None
Suspended: Nikolai Frederiksen
AZ Alkmaar
Jelle Duin and Jeremy Helmer are currently recovering from injuries and will not be able to feature in this game. AZ Alkmaar are unlikely to make drastic changes to their team for this fixture.
Injured: Jelle Duin, Jeremy Helmer
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Vitesse vs AZ Alkmaar Predicted XI
Vitesse Predicted XI (4-3-3): Jeroen Houwen; Million Manhoef, Riechedly Bazoer, Danilho Doekhi, Eli Dasa; Matus Bero, Sondre Tronstad, Patrick Vroegh; Toni Domgjoni, Ikoma Lois Openda, Thomas Buitink
AZ Alkmaar Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Peter Vindahl; Owen Wijndal, Bruno Martins Indi, Pantelis Hatzidiakos, Aslak Witry; Jordy Clasie, Fredrik Midtsjo; Dani de Wit, Hakon Evjen, Jesper Karlsson, Vangelis Pavlidis
Vitesse vs AZ Alkmaar Prediction
AZ Alkmaar have struggled to meet expectations since the turn of the year and have a point to prove in this fixture. The away side has impressive players in their ranks and will look to make a statement of intent this week.
Vitesse can pack a punch on their day but have struggled against AZ Alkmaar on several occasions in the past. AZ Alkmaar are the better team at the moment and should be able to win this game.
Prediction: Vitesse 1-2 AZ Alkmaar
