The big picture

AZ Alkmaar come in 5th on the ladder with 23 points; Sparta Rotterdam are 12th on 12. AZ Alkmaar have the higher position to protect.

AZ Alkmaar are 6–3–2 in Eredivisie 2026-27, averaging 1.8 goals for and 1.2 against.

Sparta Rotterdam are 3–5–3 in Eredivisie 2026-27, averaging 1.8 goals for and 2.4 against.

Form

AZ Alkmaar have won one of their last five and most recently lost to Juventus 1–2.

Sparta Rotterdam have won two of their last five and most recently beat FC Groningen 3–2.

AZ Alkmaar have lost their last three.

Head to head

These sides have met 10 times on our records since 2021: AZ Alkmaar 6, Sparta Rotterdam 2, 2 drawn.

Last time out (2025-26), AZ Alkmaar won 3–1 at AFAS Stadion.

Biggest margin between these two: AZ Alkmaar by 2 goals in 2025-26 (3–1).

Players to watch

For AZ Alkmaar, watch Ro-Zangelo Daal (0.5 goals a game in 2026-27) and Mexx Meerdink (0.4 goals a game, 2 assists in 2026-27).

For Sparta Rotterdam, watch Milan Zonneveld (0.6 goals a game, 1 assist in 2026-27) and Lushendry Martes (0.2 goals a game in 2026-27).

At AFAS Stadion

AZ Alkmaar have won 10 of their last 20 at AFAS Stadion.

What the numbers say

On form, ladder and history, AZ Alkmaar have the edge.