AZ Alkmaar will host Irish side Shelbourne Dublin in a crucial UEFA Europa Conference League encounter on November 27, 2025. Both teams are currently outside the top 24 in the competition standings, with AZ sitting 26th and Shelbourne 30th. The Dutch side will look to capitalize on home advantage to strengthen their position, while the visitors aim to secure their first win in the group stage. This fixture promises to be an intriguing battle between experience and ambition as both clubs seek to revive their European campaigns.

AZ Alkmaar’s Recent Form and Key Stats

AZ Alkmaar enter this match after a 3-1 defeat against SC Heerenveen on November 23, 2025, a result that extended their inconsistent run across competitions. In their last five matches, AZ have recorded two wins and three defeats, averaging 1.6 goals scored and 2.4 conceded per game. Despite their recent struggles, the Dutch side remain a strong attacking unit, having scored in 29 of their last 30 matches in all competitions.

In the Europa Conference League, AZ’s season record stands at six wins and three losses, with an average of 2.2 goals scored and 1.3 conceded per match. Their attacking consistency is further highlighted by the fact that they have found the net in each of their last 16 home games. Moreover, AZ have not drawn any of their last 15 Conference League fixtures, showing a clear tendency for decisive outcomes.

At home, AZ are known for their fast starts. They have won at half time in their last four home matches in the competition and in eight of their last ten home games overall. Additionally, over 0.5 goals have been scored in the first half of each of their last 14 home fixtures, while the second half has also produced at least one goal in 20 of their last 21 Conference League matches. These numbers underline AZ’s attacking intent and their ability to maintain pressure throughout the game.

However, their defensive vulnerabilities have been exposed recently, particularly in domestic play, where they have lost two consecutive home matches. The team will need to tighten up at the back if they are to avoid another setback in front of their fans. Still, with their offensive firepower and strong European pedigree, AZ remain favorites to claim all three points.

Shelbourne Dublin’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Shelbourne arrive in the Netherlands hoping to turn their European fortunes around. Their debut season in the UEFA Conference League group stage has been challenging, with the Irish side yet to record a victory. They suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Drita in their most recent match, following earlier losses to Shkendija and a goalless draw with St. Patrick’s. The Dublin club have now gone winless in three of their last four matches, a run that highlights their current struggles in front of goal.

In the competition so far, Shelbourne’s record stands at two wins, one draw, and two defeats, with an average of 1.0 goal scored and 0.6 conceded per game. While their defense has shown resilience, their attack has lacked efficiency, failing to score in their first three group matches. This lack of cutting edge has been a recurring issue, as six of their last seven European defeats have come without finding the net.

Domestically, Shelbourne’s season has already concluded, allowing them to focus entirely on their European campaign. This could provide a slight advantage in terms of preparation and freshness, but their inexperience at this level remains a major obstacle. Facing a side like AZ, who boast a strong home record and considerable European experience, will be a stern test for the Irish visitors.

Despite their underdog status, Shelbourne will look to stay compact defensively and capitalize on counterattacking opportunities. Their recent performances suggest that they can remain competitive if they manage to frustrate AZ’s attack early on. However, given their limited scoring record and the strength of their opponents, a positive result would be a significant achievement.

AZ Alkmaar vs Shelbourne Dublin Prediction and Tactical Overview

This clash appears to be a meeting between two teams with contrasting ambitions and experience levels. AZ Alkmaar will aim to dominate possession, using their attacking depth and home advantage to dictate the tempo. Their ability to score consistently, especially at home, makes them a formidable opponent. On the other hand, Shelbourne will likely adopt a cautious approach, focusing on defensive organization and hoping to exploit any lapses in AZ’s backline.

Historically, AZ have enjoyed success against Irish opposition, remaining unbeaten in their previous four encounters. Their superior technical quality and European experience should give them the upper hand once again. Shelbourne’s lack of goals in this competition and their limited experience at this stage suggest that breaking down AZ’s defense will be a difficult task.

Given the attacking trends of AZ and the defensive struggles of Shelbourne, this match could see the hosts asserting control early on. If AZ maintain their usual intensity at home, they are well-positioned to secure a comfortable victory and potentially keep a clean sheet. The visitors, meanwhile, will need a disciplined performance to avoid another defeat.

AZ Alkmaar vs Shelbourne Dublin prediction by BetMines:
The most likely outcome is an AZ Alkmaar win (1) with a 54% probability. The Draw (X) follows at 24%, while a Shelbourne win (2) stands at 22%.