Preview:FC Volendam vs. AZ Alkmaar - prediction, team news, lineups

Last season's Eerste Divisie champions, FC Volendam, host AZ Alkmaar at Kras Stadion on Sunday afternoon, aiming for another positive Eredivisie result after drawing at Heerenveen in the opening round.

However, they face a challenge against the Classic Farmers, who beat Groningen 4-1 in the first weekend and have progressed to the Conference League playoff round, continuing their strong start to the season.

Match preview

On their return to the Eredivisie after a year in the second tier, Volendam earned a respectable draw at Heerenveen, and they go into the second round aiming to remain unbeaten.

What particularly impressed Rick Kruys’s team was that Palingboeren kept their composure after conceding just four minutes into the season; however, Ozan Kokcu’s equaliser, five minutes after the hour, meant that last season's second division champions ended up sharing the points.

Having finished the previous season in the Eerste Divisie with the best home record — 15 wins from 19 matches — they hope to replicate those performances now they are in the top flight.

Nevertheless, Kruys’s team will know that their ambitions will be challenged against a higher calibre of opposition, especially considering they managed only three wins from 17 games in the 2023-24 season, which ended with their relegation from the Eredivisie.

Adding to the home fans' dread is their poor record against Sunday's opponents, against whom they have not won in the league since the 1984-85 season.

AZ, meanwhile, will be confident knowing their strong record against Volendam, having beaten them in seven of the last eight encounters, including a 4-0 victory at Kras Stadion in March 2024.

That 23-24 season saw the Alkmaar side outscore Volendam 7-0 across both matches, highlighting their dominance in these fixtures.

With Maarten Martens's men scoring freely this season, travelling supporters will expect another commanding performance from this weekend's visitors, especially since the Cheese Farmers have scored three or more goals in all but one competitive match this season — Thursday's 1-0 win over Vaduz in the Conference League third qualifying round.

However, AZ already secured a 3-0 win at home in the first leg, so they did not need to go full throttle in Thursday's second leg.

Their opening weekend victory, 4-1 over Groningen, showcases AZ’s intent to maintain their prolific scoring form in European qualifiers, as they have netted three goals or more in all but one match this season.

The Alkmaar outfit scored three in a 4-3 defeat at Ilves, a 5-0 win over the same team, three goals against Vaduz and last weekend's 4-1 win over Groningen, and the promoted side could well face a heavy defeat on Sunday.

FC Volendam Eredivisie form:

AZ Alkmaar Eredivisie form:

AZ Alkmaar form (all competitions):

Team News

Volendam will be without injury after their first match, giving Martens a healthy squad to choose from.

Kokcu, who scored on his debut, hopes to continue his fine form in the second gameweek.

Despite a quiet first outing, last season's top scorer with 26 goals, Henk Veerman's contributions could be decisive for survival or relegation.

AZ's only absentee is reported to be right-back Seiya Maikuma, with the team assessing his knee injury.

Troy Parrot, who scored twice last weekend in the 4-1 win over Groningen and netted the only goal against Vaduz, aims to keep his scoring streak alive.

Right-back Denso Kasius's performance in their opening win was impressive — scoring, creating two chances, completing both dribble attempts and winning all five duels — and he looks to replicate his top form this weekend.

FC Volendam possible starting lineup:

Oevelen; Payne, Amevor, Mbuyamba, Leliendal; Yah, Plat; Oehlers, Muhren, Kokcu; Veerman

AZ Alkmaar possible starting lineup:

Zoet; Kasius, Penetra, Goes, Wit; Smit, Clasie; Poku, Mijnans, Daal; Parrott

We say: FC Volendam 1-3 AZ Alkmaar

AZ have already delivered heavy defeats on several sides early this season, and the Alkmaar team are expected to beat Volendam comfortably on Sunday, continuing their strong record in this fixture.