Heracles Almelo vs AZ Alkmaar Prediction

A hunger for both teams as a spot in the final beckons tomorrow evening, Heracles hosting AZ Alkmaar in the KNVB Cup. Completing an upset victory over Utrecht in the quarter finals, Heracles have shown dominance in the competition as they continue their hope to reach the finals for the second time in the clubs history. Having won the cup back in 2013, AZ Alkmaar have not had recent success in this tournament although continue to show brilliance in both the cup and the league this season.

Key Stats

• Picking up a loss in their last game meant Heracles lost their unbeaten streak stretching back eight games
• AZ Alkmaar have already defeated Heracles once this season, besting them 1-0 in the Eredivisie
• AZ Alkmaar are currently on a six game unbeaten streak

Team Previews, Form and Standout Players

Heracles will have hoped they could translate their performances in the KNVB Cup into the Eredivisie as they currently sit just one place above the relegation zone. A gruelling 4-0 defeat on the road to Ajax in their last match will hinder their confidence as their opponents were victors over the Son of Gods in the Round of 16 of the cup.

Maarten Martens men have built a brilliant campaign across the league and cup, on top of their focus for domestic success after defeating Galatasary in their Europa League knockout playoff round. With five victories from their last six, AZ look hungry to end Heracles impressive cup run.

Heracles Preview

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Predicted Line-Up: de Keijzer; Rots, Mesik, Mirani, Wieckhoff; De Keersmaecker, Scheperman; Podgoreanu, Bruns, Talvitie; Kulenovic

Netting in the previous round, Luka Kulenovic looks set to govern the front line again, taking his goal total up to nine goals across all competitions. The Bosnian striker will be looking for redemption after being stopped in his tracks in his previous game against Ajax. Erwin van de Looi has suffered harshly in the league but his side have proven that they have the ability to reach the final after already defeating a high-flying Eredivisie side in FC Utrecht.

AZ Alkmaar Prediction

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Predicted Line-Up: Owusu-Oduro; Wolfe, Penetra, Goes, Maikuma; Clasie, Koopmeiners; Lahdo, Buurmeester, Poku; Parrott

After a blunder in the quarter final of last years competition, AZ Alkmaar have returned to the semi final for the first time since the 2021/2022 season. Irish striker Troy Parrott has been on fire for the Cheese Farmers, collecting 19 goal contributions across all competitions as his side make the push for Champions League football. With AZ Alkmaar juggling league, cup and domestic success, can Martens side maintain their fitness to ensure success in all campaigns.

Head to Head Stats

AZ Alkmaar have enjoyed more success across the previous fixtures, managing three wins from their last five meetings. However, the last time the two sides met at the Erve Asito, Heracles managed a spectacular 5-0 victory over AZ Alkmaar.

AZ Alkmaar 1-0 Heracles, December 1st 2024

Heracles 5-0 AZ Alkmaar, April 3rd 2024

AZ Alkmaar 1-1 Heracles, September 28th 2023

AZ Alkmaar 2-1 Heracles, February 19th 2022

AZ Alkmaar 4-1 Heracles, December 15th 2021

Betting Tips

Both teams have been poor defensively but have shown great promise in front of goal. Heracles have unleashed their best quality in this tournament but AZ Alkmaar are the better of the two sides on paper so calling the winner is difficult.

For this reason, our betting professionals suggest betting on goals with Both Teams To Score being the best value tip from this game. With betting odds at 4/5, a stake of £10 could see a return of up to £18

(odds subject to change)

Final Prediction: Heracles vs AZ Alkmaar

Heracles 1-2 AZ Alkmaar

AZ Alkmaar are in better form and have already proven they have the skill to defeat this Heracles side. Heracles will put up a strong fight but AZ should be the team to book their spot in the final.