AZ Alkmaar – Groningen

AZ Alkmaar head into the AFAS Stadion as league runners‑up, sitting on 20 points after six wins, two draws and a single loss, and boasting a solid 20‑10 goal difference. Their opponents, Groningen, occupy seventh place with 14 points from four victories, two draws and three defeats, having scored the most goals in the league so far at 22 but conceding 19. The hosts will look to extend their lead over the chasing pack, while the visitors will hope their prolific attack can offset a slightly weaker defensive record. With the two sides having met only sporadically this season, the clash promises a test of AZ’s consistency against Groningen’s goal‑rich but leaky form.