- De Graafschap sit 3rd in the Eerste Divisie on 55 points after 33 games.
- Jong AZ Alkmaar are 17th on 34 points after 33 games.
De GRAAFSCHAP aiming for the play-offs
De Graafschap are in the hunt for the promotion play-offs in the 2025-2026 Eerste Divisie season and their home game against Jong AZ on Monday will be a real test of their credentials and the new identity that boss Marinus Dijkhuizen has been trying to instil since his appointment in January 2025. This match is of special interest for anyone looking for a De Graafschap vs AZ Alkmaar Reserves prediction.
Dijkhuizen is a true soccer coach and his structured teams are usually very tough to beat. With a little more directness and energy, his De Graafschap side has had a lot of success with the ‘d’ran’ style of football this term, which should be considered in any De Graafschap vs AZ Alkmaar Reserves preview.
Niemeijer the talisman for De GRAAFSCHAP
Reuven Niemeijer, the talisman who has scored 16 goals in 33 appearances, is a good example of the team’s balance, with enough skill to play a one-two and enough energy to make the ball stick in the box. He will be looking to add to his tally when Jong AZ arrive at De Vijverberg - something that makes a De Graafschap vs AZ Alkmaar Reserves prediction all the more intriguing.
Those five games have been a mixed bag of results with two wins, one draw and two defeats. De GRAAFSCHAP won 2-1 at home to FC Dordrecht in early April before a 1-2 loss to ADO Den Haag in their next home game. They then impressed with a 2-0 away victory at Willem II.
Alkmaar reserves are in inconsistent form
Jong AZ are in poor form, having won one, drawn one and lost three of their last five. Frank Peereboom, who took over in February 2026, has maintained the philosophy of his predecessor that the reserve team is primarily a development squad for the first team. These fluctuations in form could significantly impact any De Graafschap vs AZ Alkmaar Reserves prediction.
This has led to an inconsistent pattern of performances with a possession-based, high-pressing style that can put opponents under pressure, but frequent changes can lead to poor results such as the 1-1 home draw with MVV Maastricht and the 4-3 away win at Cambuur in their last two outings.
Sem van Duijn has been Jong AZ’s chief attacking threat this term, netting nine times in 21 appearances, but the Alkmaar reserves have conceded 32 goals in their 17 away games and it seems doubtful they can keep this De GRAAFSCHAP attack quiet. For more insights, our De Graafschap vs AZ Alkmaar Reserves betting tips suggest focusing on the home side’s attacking threats.
De GRAAFSCHAP can take the three points
De GRAAFSCHAP have won eight, drawn three and lost six of their 17 home games in the Eerste Divisie this season, averaging 1.88 goals scored and 1.65 conceded per game. Jong AZ’s away record shows eight wins, two draws and seven defeats, and their defense has conceded 32 goals in 17 away games.
Our main selection of De GRAAFSCHAP to win at 1.74 looks a winner because of their higher league position and better head-to-head record with Jong AZ having failed to win on their last two trips to Doetinchem. There will be a fascinating midfield battle between Dijkhuizen’s direct style and Peereboom’s systematic pressing and possession play, but the home side should come out on top with the help of some timely goals from Nils Eggens, who has three in his last five for the club.
