Preview: AZ Alkmaar vs Groningen - prediction, team news, lineups

AZ Alkmaar and Groningen kick off their Eredivisie campaigns this Sunday when the two teams meet at the AFAS Stadium.

Having already played competitive football this summer in the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers, the Cheese Farmers will be looking to continue their momentum against the Pride of the North.

Match preview

Head coach Maarten Martens enjoyed a tremendous first full season with AZ Alkmaar, leading the club to a fifth placed Eredivisie finish, a cup final and the knockout stages of the Europa League.

Losing against Go Ahead Eagles in the KNVB final meant AZ missed the chance to snap their 12-year wait for a trophy, though all things considered, Martens and his men had a lot to be happy about.

The Cheese Farmers were one of the first Dutch teams to play competitive football this season, as they kicked off their Europa Conference League qualifying campaign in late July.

The club thrashed Finland’s Ilves 8-4 on aggregate, and they enjoyed a 3-0 win in the first leg of their latest tie – a third round clash with Liechtenstein’s Vaduz.

AZ will now be hoping to take their momentum into Sunday’s league opener as they look to continue their six-match unbeaten run against Groningen.

Speaking of the visitors, the Pride of the North enjoyed a relatively average season last year, finishing 13th in the standings.

Experienced head coach Dick Lukkien will be aiming for an improved showing this time around – something he hopes will be possible following a handful of new signings.

Groningen have only made minor changes to their squad, but it is hoped that new striker Oskar Zawada can give the team some much-needed firepower.

Zawada scored 11 goals for RKC Waalwijk last season and also bagged 22 in 42 matches for Australian outfit Wellington Phoenix in his two seasons prior.

Considering only five teams scored fewer goals than Groningen last term, the club will be hoping for significant improvements on that front.

Team News

AZ have seen a number of key names depart over the summer, with the likes of Ruben van Bommel going to PSV Eindhoven, Jayden Addai to Italian side Como and David Moller Wolfe to Premier League outfit Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Alkmaar have reinvested their profits and brought in Isak Jensen and Mateo Chaves, while also promoting Elijah Dijkstra from the youth team.

Groningen head into their season opener without Fofin Turay, who is dealing with an Achilles tendon injury.

Defender Maxim Mariani also remains out injured and is thus unavailable for selection.

AZ Alkmaar possible starting lineup: Owusu-Oduro; Maikuma, Goes, Penetra, De Wit; Smit, Koopmeiners, Poku; Mijnans, Buurmeester; Meerdink

Groningen possible starting lineup: Jurjus; Rente, Peersman, Blokzijl, Prins; Taha, Van der Laan; De Jonge, Schreuders, Van Bergen; Zawada

We say: AZ Alkmaar 2-0 Groningen

AZ Alkmaar have high expectations this season, and they will be looking to make a solid start on Sunday.

We are backing the hosts to pick up a solid victory against a Groningen side that is lacking quality and has struggled to score goals in recent times.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.