On September 28, NEC Nijmegen will host AZ Alkmaar at the Goffertstadion in the seventh round of the Eredivisie season. This clash brings together two sides in contrasting form, with the visitors entering as clear favorites thanks to their strong start to the campaign and consistent performances in both domestic and European competitions. NEC, meanwhile, will be desperate to halt their recent slump and make the most of home advantage against one of the league’s top contenders.

NEC Nijmegen’s Recent Form and Key Stats

NEC Nijmegen began the season brightly but have since stumbled, losing their last three Eredivisie matches. Their most recent setback came in a 3-2 defeat to SC Heerenveen on September 21. Despite showing attacking promise, their defensive frailties have been costly, conceding heavily in defeats such as the 3-5 loss to PSV Eindhoven. Over their last five matches, NEC have recorded 2 wins and 3 defeats, averaging 2.8 goals scored but conceding 2.4 per game.

At home, NEC remain a dangerous side in attack. They have scored in each of their last 19 home matches, with over 1.5 goals recorded in all of those fixtures. In fact, their last 10 Eredivisie matches have all produced over 2.5 goals, underlining their tendency to be involved in high-scoring encounters. However, their defensive record is a major concern, as they have trailed at half-time in their last three league outings.

Currently sitting 7th in the Eredivisie table with 3 wins and 3 losses, NEC will need to tighten up at the back if they are to challenge a side of AZ’s caliber. Their attacking output, led by consistent scoring at home, will be their main weapon against the visitors.

AZ Alkmaar’s Recent Form and Key Stats

AZ Alkmaar travel to Nijmegen in excellent shape, unbeaten in their opening six Eredivisie fixtures. Their last two league matches ended in draws, including a 2-2 result against PEC Zwolle on September 24 and a thrilling 3-3 draw with Feyenoord. Despite those stalemates, AZ remain one of the strongest attacking sides in the league, averaging 2.3 goals scored per game this season.

Across their last five matches, AZ have registered 3 wins and 2 draws, scoring 2.4 goals per match while conceding 1.4. Their consistency is further highlighted by the fact that they have not lost in 19 of their last 20 matches in all competitions. In Europe, they have also impressed, with convincing victories over Levski Sofia and Vaduz in the UEFA Conference League qualifiers.

AZ’s attacking depth has been their biggest strength, with the team scoring in each of their last 20 matches. They have also seen over 0.5 goals in the second half in their last 21 games, showing their ability to maintain pressure throughout matches. Currently ranked 4th in the Eredivisie, AZ are determined to keep pace with the league leaders while balancing their European commitments.

NEC Nijmegen vs AZ Alkmaar Prediction and Tactical Overview

When these two sides meet, goals are almost guaranteed. Their last head-to-head encounter ended in a 3-3 draw on March 29, 2025, and both teams have been involved in high-scoring matches this season. NEC’s defensive vulnerabilities combined with AZ’s attacking firepower suggest another open contest with plenty of chances at both ends.

NEC will look to exploit AZ’s occasional defensive lapses, but their own backline has been far too leaky to inspire confidence. AZ’s superior squad depth and attacking options should give them the edge, even if NEC manage to find the net. The home side’s strong scoring record at the Goffertstadion means they are unlikely to be shut out, but AZ’s quality should ultimately prove decisive.

Overall, this fixture promises to be an entertaining battle, with both teams likely to contribute to the scoreline. NEC’s resilience at home and AZ’s attacking consistency point towards a high-tempo clash where the visitors are favored to come out on top.

NEC Nijmegen vs AZ Alkmaar prediction from BetMines: Away Win (2) with 49% probability.