TIPS - AZ Alkmaar VS FC Groningen

[(AZ Alkmaar) Strength]:
1. AZ Alkmaar finished 5th in the Eredivisie last season, securing a Conference League spot. They aim to qualify for the Champions League this season. Facing FC Groningen in the opener at home, they are eager to start with a win.
2. AZ Alkmaar signed forwards Mateo Chavez and Isak Jensen in the summer window.
3. AZ Alkmaar finished 5th with 16 wins, 9 draws, and 9 losses in 34 league games last season. In the Conference League playoffs, they beat SC Heerenveen and FC Twente Enschede, securing a European football spot.
4. AZ Alkmaar were unbeaten with 2 wins and 1 draw in the last 3 games across all competitions, showing fit form. They secured a 3-0 home win over Vaduz in the first leg of the Conference League qualification third round, taking the lead.
5. AZ Alkmaar remained unbeaten with 2 wins and 1 draw in the last 3 home games, performing outstandingly at home.
6. AZ Alkmaar were unbeaten with 5 wins and 1 draw in the last 6 encounters between both sides, having the upper hand.
7. The AH line is -1.25 for the home team in this game, which significantly supports AZ Alkmaar.

[(AZ Alkmaar) Weakness]:
1. AZ Alkmaar defender Maxim Dekker is in doubt for this game due to injury.
2. AZ Alkmaar conceded 8 goals in the last 5 games, demonstrating average defense.

[(FC Groningen) Strength]:
1. FC Groningen finished 13th last season, showing mediocre performances. They aim to avoid relegation in the new season. Facing strong AZ Alkmaar, they are motivated to take points to avoid an early-season relegation battle.
2. FC Groningen signed new players in the summer window, including defenders Elvis van der Laan and Tyrique Mercera, midfielder Younes Taha, and striker Oskar Zawada.
3. FC Groningen won two friendlies in a row lately, performing well. They secured a 3-1 win over BSG Wismut Gera in the last friendly.
4. FC Groningen scored 11 goals and conceded only 4 in the last 5 games, boasting excellent offense and defense.

[(FC Groningen) Weakness]:
1. FC Groningen defender Elvis van der Laan is doubtful to play this game due to injury, while forward Fofin Turay will miss the first league game of the new season with an injury.
2. FC Groningen recorded 10 wins, 9 draws, and 15 losses in 34 league games last season, finishing 13th, showcasing inferior overall performances to AZ Alkmaar.
3. FC Groningen had a poor away record of 2 wins, 3 draws, and 12 losses in 17 league games last season, ranking 3rd from the bottom on the road.
4. FC Groningen lost 5 of the last 6 games in AH, showing a lack of winning strength.

[Tips]:
AZ Alkmaar were unbeaten with 2 wins and 1 draw in the last 3 games across all competitions, showing fit form.

FC Groningen won two friendlies in a row lately, performing well.

Besides, AZ Alkmaar were unbeaten with 5 wins and 1 draw in the last 6 encounters between both sides, having the upper hand.

The AH line is -1.25 for the home team in this game, which significantly supports AZ Alkmaar.

AZ Alkmaar are superior in terms of strength, home advantage, and H2H records.

FC Groningen performed well in the recent warm-up games, but their away strength is relatively weak, with starters absent.

Thus, AZ Alkmaar are expected to win the first league game of the new season at home, getting off to a brisk start.

[Recommended]:
AZ Alkmaar (-1/1.5)