- AZ form: AZ have won 2 of their last 5 matches (D1, L2).
- Hapoel form: Hapoel Beer-Sheva have won 3 of their last 5 games (W3, D1, L1).
- Additional note: AZ won 2 of AZ's last 5 games.
AZ’s form has been mixed
25th placed AZ Alkmaar (0 points from 1 UEFA Europa League 2026/2027 match) face Hapoel Beer-Sheva, who are 17th with 1 point from 1 match, at AFAS Stadion in the Netherlands.
Leeroy Echteld has brought a controlled, possession-first approach since taking charge on 19th January 2026. AZ were beaten 1-0 by Sunderland in the UEFA Europa League before they claimed a narrow 1-0 home win against Telstar in Eredivisie. Last time out, AZ were comfortably beaten 2-0 by Feyenoord in Eredivisie.
Hapoel's form has been much stronger of late, winning 3 of their last 5 across all competitions. Ran Kozuch has set up his Hapoel side to play with directness and aggression within his 4-3-3 blueprint and has done a fine job since taking over the reigns on 1st July 2024.
Hapoel were held to a 0-0 draw by GNK Dinamo Zagreb in the UEFA Europa League, but they've won their last 2 in a row (W2). Hapoel won 1-0 against Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona in Ligat Ha'AL before claiming a 2-0 win away at Ironi Tiberias.
A tactical matchup to keep things tight at the top
Match prediction
The main selection won 2 of AZ's last 5 matches, so we're backing the Dutch side to edge this one at the AFAS Stadion. AZ have won 1 and drawn 1 of their last 2 home games, which should see them hold a reasonable base here in Alkmaar.
Tactical battle
Hapoel have also played well in their last 2 matches and confidence looks sharp in the Camel's camp. Hapoel's high-intensity pressing approach will surely test AZ's patient, build-up approach, and that should make for an end-to-end game.
Attacking outlook
AZ's build-up will also see the hosts controlling the ball a lot and their ability to overload wide areas should give them the better of chances in terms of overall chances. Hapoel will have a go in transition and will surely grab chances as a result.
- The 2 teams to score selection will also look to profit from a fast-paced game, with over 2.5 goals looking likely.
- Mexx Meerdink has scored 2 of AZ's last 5 goals, so he looks to be their most reliable source for goals at the moment.
- Amir Ganah has scored 2 of Hapoel's last 6 goals.
