AZ Alkmaar host FC Groningen at the AFAS Stadion on November 8, 2026, in the 12th round of the Eredivisie. Kick-off in Alkmaar is scheduled for 15:45 local time. AZ enter the match fifth, while Groningen are eighth, but neither side arrives in convincing form: both have recorded one win, one draw and three defeats in their last five matches. Their recent scoring records nevertheless point to an open contest. AZ have averaged 1.4 goals scored and conceded across those five games; Groningen have averaged 2.2 scored and 2.6 conceded. The home side have a stronger league record, although Groningen’s attacking output gives them reason to believe they can make this a competitive visit.

AZ Alkmaar's Recent Form and Key Stats

AZ Alkmaar have six wins, two draws and three defeats in the Eredivisie this season, averaging 1.8 goals scored and 1.2 conceded per match. Their latest listed result was a 2-1 defeat against Juventus on November 5. In the league, defeats to Ajax and FC Twente followed a 2-2 draw at SC Cambuur, leaving AZ in need of a stronger result to protect their position near the top of the standings.

Recent setbacks should not obscure AZ’s ability to score. The supplied results include a 3-2 win over SC Heerenveen and a 5-2 victory against Go Ahead Eagles. Their home trends are also striking: AZ have scored at least once in 21 of their last 22 home matches, and 21 of those 22 fixtures have featured more than 1.5 total goals. Goals have been scored after half-time in 20 of their last 22 home games. Those figures offer encouragement for AZ’s attack, even as their recent overall record leaves room for improvement.

The opening stages may be important for the hosts. AZ have avoided trailing at half-time in 19 of their last 20 home matches and have led at the interval in seven of their last 10 Eredivisie home games. Wesley Hoedt is identified as an important player at the back, while the source article describes AZ as a side that may seek control through patient build-up and possession. Whether they can turn that approach into goals is a central question after a run containing three defeats in five matches.

FC Groningen's Recent Form and Key Stats

FC Groningen have four wins, three draws and four defeats in the Eredivisie. Their league averages of 2.4 goals scored and 2.2 conceded per match illustrate how frequently goals have been part of their games. That pattern is even more pronounced across their last five matches, in which they have averaged 2.2 scored and 2.6 conceded. Groningen’s most recent league result was a 3-2 loss to Sparta Rotterdam on November 1, and they were also beaten 2-0 by FC Emmen in the KNVB Cup.

There is evidence of attacking quality alongside those results. Groningen have previously beaten Excelsior 5-1 and PEC Zwolle 3-0, so AZ cannot judge the visitors solely by their recent defeats. Jacob Ondrejka is highlighted in the source article as an attacking threat, although Groningen’s defensive record suggests that creating chances has not always been enough to secure points.

The away-game trends make Groningen’s visit especially relevant to the goals discussion. Each of their last 20 away matches has contained more than 1.5 total goals, with at least one second-half goal in every one of those fixtures. Both patterns also hold across their last 19 Eredivisie away matches. Groningen have led at half-time in their last three league away games, while each of their last 16 Eredivisie matches has featured a first-half goal and more than 1.5 goals overall. These statistics describe total match goals, not goals scored by Groningen alone.

AZ Alkmaar vs FC Groningen Match Analysis

AZ’s home scoring record and stronger league results give the hosts a basis for confidence, but Groningen’s scoring averages make this more than a test of whether AZ can take control. Both teams have the capacity to contribute in attack, and both have conceded regularly over their last five matches. For AZ, the challenge is to make their home advantage count without leaving the defensive openings that have accompanied their recent dip in results. Groningen, meanwhile, will want to draw on the attacking performances behind their emphatic wins over Excelsior and PEC Zwolle while improving on their latest defeats.

The head-to-head summary gives AZ three wins, one draw and one defeat against Groningen, with averages of 2.0 goals scored and 1.0 conceded. Their most recent meeting ended 3-0 on March 22, 2026. Those figures offer context, but the current scoring trends are the sharper guide to this fixture: AZ’s home matches have repeatedly cleared 1.5 goals, and Groningen’s lengthy away run has done the same. With both sides seeking a response to a difficult recent spell, the prospect of chances at either end stands out in this Eredivisie preview.

AZ Alkmaar vs FC Groningen prediction from BetMines: Over 2.5 goals with 61% probability.