AZ Alkmaar play host to Sparta Rotterdam on Sunday looking to strengthen their challenge for a top-four spot in the Eredivisie table.
At a time when the home side have put together a prolonged run in the Dutch top flight without defeat, the visitors have endured the opposite and sit in 16th position.
Match preview
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Heading into November, it is fair to say that Maarten Martens may have been fearing for his job at AZ after six defeats from seven games in all competitions.
Since then, AZ have remarkably lost just once in 14 outings and Thursday's 1-0 victory over Roma in the Europa League extended their unbeaten streak to 12 games.
Just one point is required from next week's meeting with Ferencvaros to guarantee a playoff spot, yet Maartens will be forgetting about that fixture until after the full-time whistle versus Sparta.
AZ have put together a seven-match unbeaten run in the Eredivisie, albeit having dropped points in their most recent double-header to PSV Eindhoven and FC Utrecht.
That said, earning draws away at the first and third-placed teams in the divisions should be regarded as bonus points, keeping AZ within two points of Feyenoord in fourth position.
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In sharp contrast, Sparta are currently enduring one of the worst runs in Dutch football having failed to win any of their last 13 matches in the Eredivisie.
Five points have been accumulated during that period to keep them clear of the bottom two, yet Maurice Steijn knows that he and his side need to build on their recent improvements.
Draws have been recorded against each of Heracles and RKC Waalwijk, with their only defeat in four outings being a 2-0 reverse at the hands of Ajax.
To their credit, the Castle Lords hold the 10th best away record in the division, collecting nine points from as many games and conceding just the 11 times.
Team News
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Troy Parrott is likely to be recalled to the AZ Alkmaar attack having dropped to the substitutes' bench for the Roma game.
Mexx Meerdink should be named among the replacements instead, and that may prove to be the only alteration unless Martens wishes to freshen up his side after two important matches in the space of a week.
Denso Kasius and Zico Buurmeester are among those who could be handed opportunities on the right flank and in central midfield respectively.
Barring any fitness issues, Steijn may be prepared to select the same Sparta XI on the back of a second draw in a row.
Although Marvin Young is available again after serving a one-match ban, the central defender may only be selected on the bench, while winger Kayky is another who could have to stay patient.
AZ Alkmaar possible starting lineup:
Owusu-Oduro; Maikuma, Goes, Penetra, Wolfe; Koopmeiners, Clasie; Kasius, Mijnans, Lahdo; Parrott
Sparta Rotterdam possible starting lineup:
Olij; Bakari, Meissen, Eerdhuijzen, Van Aanholt; Eiting, Kitolano; Neghli, Verschueren, Mito; Lauritsen
We say: AZ Alkmaar 2-1 Sparta Rotterdam
Despite the high of beating Roma, AZ will be negotiating a short turnaround for this fixture. With that in mind, we feel they will have to battle their way to the three points in what may ultimately be a scrappy contest.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
