FC Utrecht vs. AZ Clash?

Jan 17, 2025 by

Transferhunt News

3 minute read

FC Utrecht hosts in-form AZ on Saturday in a key Eredivisie clash. AZ is unbeaten in 10 games, while Utrecht struggles at home but relies on stars like Haller

A game between FC Utrecht and AZ is always a good one and we are going to expect it to be no exception. They’re both proving they’re up to the standard top sides, and the stakes are pretty high for Saturday. AZ enters this game as the Eredivisie’s hottest team, especially when it comes to tight games. Let’s take a look at the predictions for FC Utrecht vs AZ.

AZ’s Incredible Form

AZ is rolling right now. They’ve had 10 straight wins in all competitions, seven wins and three draws. The run also features some monster contests — against Galatasaray, FC Twente, PSV, and two against Ajax. During their run AZ has taken 16 point from their last 6 Eredivisie fixtures.

What makes this run so great? As recently as six rounds earlier, AZ had been racking up just one point in the league, which was worst of any team in the league. Talk about a turnaround!

FC Utrecht’s Mixed Results

Even with AZ’s current form, it’s FC Utrecht who is higher up the table. Last weekend FC Utrecht took a victiory over Feyenoord last weekend. By doing so, they secured their place in the top three.

But the games on the home front haven’t been a piece of cake for Ron Jans’ staff. Looking at the most recent home matches of FC Utrecht, it looks like they've been having a bad run.. Utrecht has had a bit of a bad run of recent home matches at Stadion Galgenwaard, with just four points in their last five home games (one win, one draw, three defeats). They’d be lowest since a similar stretch in 2016 if they get even one point in the next six home games.

Neither does the home record against AZ. Utrecht have only won one of their last nine Eredivisie home matches against AZ since the 2015/16 campaign (four draws and four defeats). No team has beaten them so regularly at home in that time.

Still, Utrecht did manage a 2-1 away victory at AZ earlier in the season. It wasn’t exactly dominating (AZ hit 22 shots, Utrecht eight) but it did the job. Will AZ repay the favor on Saturday, or will Utrecht get ahead?

Players to Watch

Utrecht will rely on Sébastien Haller who is already back in form. His appearance for Feyenoord was sensational, and he flipped the script himself twice in a cup tie against RKC Waalwijk. Haller’s Eredivisie total is now 73 goals and 26 assists. Could his 100th tally be on the line this weekend?

Haller isn’t the only person who carries Utrecht’s creativity. Yoann Cathline (the one with the eye-catching dribbling) is also to watch. The Frenchman has made 40 of his attempted dribbles this season, both leading the league. But Utrecht’s dangerous duo will have to work hard against AZ’s young prodigy Wouter Goes. A two-time Johan Cruijff Talent of the Month has changed everything. AZ have only lost one of the 11 league games he’s started this season (nine wins, two draws), while they’ve gone 5-7 without him.

AZ on the other hand have reigning Eredivisie Player of the Month Troy Parrott. The Irishman made a slow start at home, only scoring in his first five matches. But he’s been in his element of late, grabbing goals in two of his past four away matches, including big goals against Feyenoord and NAC Breda. Is he going to extend his run in Utrecht?

The Verdict

It’s going to be a lot of fun Saturday. If AZ are hot right now and Utrecht are defending their league title, a lot is at stake. Will AZ remain undefeated, or can Utrecht get back to winning ways at home and take another crack at the Alkmaarders? Either way, it will be an interesting game.