The 27th round of the Eredivisie brings an intriguing clash at the AFAS Stadion, where AZ Alkmaar host Heracles Almelo on March 15, 2026. The two sides find themselves at opposite ends of the table, with AZ aiming to bounce back from recent setbacks and Heracles desperately seeking to halt a worrying run of form. This fixture offers the home side a golden opportunity to regain momentum and strengthen their position in the top half of the standings.

AZ Alkmaar’s Recent Form and Key Stats

AZ Alkmaar enter this match sitting 6th in the Eredivisie, having collected 11 wins, 6 draws, and 9 defeats so far. Despite suffering consecutive league losses against FC Utrecht (2-0) and PSV Eindhoven (2-1), the team recently restored confidence with a 2-1 victory over Sparta Praha on March 12. Their attacking output remains solid, averaging 1.7 goals scored per match while conceding 1.6 on average this season.

At home, AZ have been particularly reliable. They have scored at least one goal in 19 of their last 20 home matches and have not trailed at half time in 18 of those. This consistency in front of their supporters has been a key factor in maintaining their top-six position. Over their last five matches in all competitions, AZ have recorded three wins and two defeats, averaging 1.8 goals scored and 1.2 conceded per game. Their ability to start strong and control possession early could once again prove decisive against a struggling opponent.

• AZ’s last 5 matches: 3 wins, 0 draws, 2 defeats.


• Average goals scored: 1.8 | Average conceded: 1.2.


• Unbeaten at half time in 18 of their last 20 home games.


• Scored in 19 of their last 20 home matches.

Given their attacking depth and home advantage, AZ will look to impose their rhythm from the opening whistle. The team’s recent setbacks have highlighted the need for sharper finishing, but their overall structure and creativity remain among the strongest in the league.

Heracles Almelo’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Heracles Almelo travel to Alkmaar in dire form, sitting bottom of the Eredivisie table in 18th place. Their season record of 5 wins, 3 draws, and 18 defeats paints a clear picture of their struggles. The visitors have managed just one win in their last ten league matches and are coming off a goalless draw against FC Utrecht on March 6. In their last five outings, they have recorded 0 wins, 1 draw, and 4 defeats, scoring only 0.4 goals per game while conceding 2.4 on average.

Defensive issues have plagued Heracles throughout the campaign. They have conceded at least one goal in 21 of their last 22 matches and in all of their last 18 away fixtures. Moreover, they have lost at half time in their last eight away games in the Eredivisie, underlining their vulnerability from the start. Matches involving Heracles tend to be open, with over 1.5 goals scored in 29 of their last 31 league games and over 0.5 goals at half time in each of their last 16 away fixtures.

• Heracles’ last 5 matches: 0 wins, 1 draw, 4 defeats.


• Average goals scored: 0.4 | Average conceded: 2.4.


• Conceded in 21 of their last 22 matches.


• Over 1.5 goals in 29 of their last 31 Eredivisie games.


• Lost at half time in their last 8 away matches.

Heracles’ defensive instability and lack of attacking efficiency make this trip particularly daunting. Their inability to maintain concentration across both halves has cost them repeatedly, and facing a motivated AZ side away from home could further expose their weaknesses.

AZ Alkmaar vs Heracles Almelo Analysis and Prediction

This encounter appears heavily tilted in favor of AZ Alkmaar. The home side’s superior quality, combined with Heracles’ defensive fragility, suggests a match where AZ will dominate possession and create numerous scoring opportunities. The visitors’ poor away record and tendency to concede early could see them under pressure from the opening minutes.

Historically, meetings between these two sides have been competitive, but current form points clearly toward a home victory. AZ’s attacking consistency at the AFAS Stadion and Heracles’ inability to keep clean sheets make a strong case for a decisive result in favor of the hosts. While Heracles may attempt to stay compact and counterattack, their recent performances indicate that sustaining defensive discipline for 90 minutes will be a major challenge.

Given the statistical trends, goals are likely to feature in this match. Heracles’ games frequently produce multiple goals, and AZ’s home scoring record further supports that expectation. However, the balance of power and form suggests that the home team should control proceedings comfortably.

AZ Alkmaar vs Heracles Almelo prediction by BetMines:
Home Win (1) with a 76% probability.