The big picture

Sparta Rotterdam come in 12th on the ladder with 12 points; AZ Alkmaar are 5th on 23. AZ Alkmaar are the side higher up the table.

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

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

Form

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

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

AZ Alkmaar have lost their last three.

Head to head

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

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).

At Sparta-Stadion Het Kasteel

Sparta Rotterdam have won 6 of their last 21 at Sparta-Stadion Het Kasteel.

What the numbers say

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