Heracles Almelo vs AZ Alkmaar Best odds and tips

Heracles Almelo are 10th in the Eredivisie table with 32 points from 28 matches, while AZ Alkmaar are sixth with 46 points from 28 matches. Heracles are a solid mid-table team with a pragmatic approach to the game under coach Erwin van de Looi, who has made them a tough team to break down. The hosts have won one, drawn three and lost one of their last five Eredivisie matches, while AZ have won none, drawn three and lost two of their last five. Both teams have a lot to play for in the final few weeks of the season.

Heracles have won five, drawn seven and lost only two of their 14 home matches this season and will fancy their chances of getting something from this game against an AZ side who have struggled to score goals recently. AZ are the clear favourites to win the game at 2.30, but Heracles are a solid 2.75 and we feel they can hold up their end of the bargain on Sunday. Maarten Martens’ side like to play a possession-based game, but they are not at their best when they are forced to play at a tempo they do not like. Heracles are a solid, counter-attacking side who can be a difficult nut to crack on their day. Jizz Hornkamp has been in fine form for the hosts of late, scoring three of their last five goals, while Luka Kulenovic has been a revelation this season with eight goals in 18 appearances. Troy Parrott is the danger man for the visitors with 14 goals in 28 appearances.

AZ’s recent goal drought could be a problem against a well-organised Heracles side, but we still feel the visitors should get the job done. Heracles have won one, drawn one and lost two of their last four meetings with AZ, but the visitors are a much better side than they were last season. The game could be close, but AZ’s status as favourites is about right given they are a much higher-ranked side than Heracles. Under 2.5 goals could be a better bet in the alternative markets as Heracles are solid at the back.