The 23rd round of the Eredivisie brings an intriguing clash between Excelsior and AZ Alkmaar at Stadion Woudestein on February 14, 2026. The home side have shown remarkable resilience in recent weeks, while the visitors continue to struggle with inconsistency despite their superior squad quality. With both teams aiming to strengthen their league positions, this encounter promises to be a balanced and entertaining affair.

Excelsior’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Excelsior enter this fixture in solid form, having gone unbeaten in their last five Eredivisie matches. Their recent results include a 2-0 away win against NAC Breda, a 2-2 draw with Ajax, and a goalless stalemate versus FC Twente. This run has lifted them to 12th place in the standings, comfortably clear of the relegation zone.

Across those five matches, Excelsior have recorded 1 win and 4 draws, scoring an average of 1.4 goals per game while conceding just 1.0. Over the entire season, their record stands at 7 wins, 5 draws, and 10 defeats, with 1.1 goals scored and 1.7 conceded per match. Their recent defensive organization has been particularly impressive, keeping clean sheets against both NAC Breda and FC Twente. Playing at home, Excelsior will look to maintain their unbeaten streak and continue their upward momentum.

• Ranking: 12th in Eredivisie


• Last 5 matches: 1 win, 4 draws, 0 defeats


• Average goals scored: 1.1 | Average conceded: 1.7


• Last result: 0-2 win at NAC Breda (06/02/2026)

AZ Alkmaar’s Recent Form and Key Stats

AZ Alkmaar remain one of the most unpredictable sides in the Eredivisie this season. Despite their attacking potential, inconsistency has prevented them from breaking into the top positions. They currently sit 7th in the table, with a record of 9 wins, 6 draws, and 7 losses. Their latest league outing ended in a 1-1 draw against Ajax on February 8, following a mixed run of results that included both strong wins and disappointing defeats.

In their last five matches, AZ have managed 1 win, 3 draws, and 1 defeat, averaging 1.0 goal scored and 1.2 conceded per game. Notably, they have not drawn any of their last 15 away fixtures, which suggests that their matches on the road tend to produce decisive outcomes. The visitors have also shown remarkable attacking consistency, scoring at least once in 24 of their last 25 Eredivisie games and in 37 of their last 40 matches overall. However, their defensive line remains vulnerable, as shown by recent 1-3 losses against PEC Zwolle and NEC Nijmegen.

• Ranking: 7th in Eredivisie


• Last 5 matches: 1 win, 3 draws, 1 defeat


• Average goals scored: 1.7 | Average conceded: 1.6


• At least 1 goal scored in 24 of last 25 Eredivisie matches


• Over 0.5 goals in the second half in 23 of last 25 Eredivisie matches

Excelsior vs AZ Alkmaar Analysis and Prediction

When these two sides met earlier this year, the match ended in a 1-1 draw, continuing a trend of competitive encounters. In their last five head-to-head meetings, AZ Alkmaar have dominated with 3 wins and 2 draws, scoring an average of 3.0 goals per game while conceding only 0.6. However, Excelsior’s current form suggests they are capable of challenging that record, especially with home advantage and a confident defensive setup.

AZ’s attacking strength is undeniable, but their defensive lapses could offer opportunities for Excelsior to find the net. The home side’s recent performances against top teams like Ajax and Twente demonstrate their ability to compete at a high level. Given both teams’ scoring trends and the statistical likelihood of goals in AZ’s matches, this fixture is expected to produce chances at both ends.

According to the latest data, the win probabilities stand at 27% for Excelsior, 24% for a draw, and 50% for AZ Alkmaar. The Both Teams To Score – Yes market shows a 58% probability, while Over 2.5 goals is estimated at 56%. These figures align with the attacking tendencies of both sides and the defensive vulnerabilities that have characterized their recent performances.

BetMines prediction: Both Teams To Score (Yes) with 58% probability.