It will be the third game in one week for AZ. After the 1-1 draw against FC Volendam and the cup loss against FC Utrecht in extra time (1-2), AZ is ready for a boost. Nevertheless, the team of trainer Pascal Jansen has been warned: earlier this season AZ went to Rotterdam with 2-1 down. AZ managed to win in the cup (1-4).
Jansen has to manage with the same selection as earlier this week. That means that Mikhailovic and Bazoer cannot be used. De Wit, Martin Indi, Beukema, Vanheusden and Dekker are also still missing.
Koopmeiners and Goudmijn
At Excelsior, AZ will meet two loaned players: Peer Koopmeiners and Kenzo Goldmine, son of assistant coach of AZ Kenneth Goudmijn. Since his transition in the winter break, Koopmeiners has played five times for Excelsior, including two in the starting line-up. Goudmijn started the season in Kralingen and was a basic player in all matches.
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Where AZ gets the chance for the third time to (temporarily) take over the lead in the Eredivisie from Feyenoord with a win, the points for Excelsior are also precious. The team of trainer Marinus Dijkhuizen is in fourteenth place, with three points more than FC Volendam. The lead over FC Emmen, which is in a play-off spot, is four points. Frank van der Meijden and Erik-Jan Brinkman will report from Alkmaar tonight.
No telstar
Telstar will not play tonight, but only on Monday evening. The Velsenaren will then visit Jong FC Utrecht. Of course we will keep you informed in NH Sport about the other matches in the first division. Jong Ajax plays against FC Den Bosch in De Vliert and Jong AZ is waiting for a very heavy visit to leader PEC Zwolle.
NH Sport is there from 7 pm to 10 pm. Your presenter is Robbert van den Heuvel.