- Roda JC Kerkrade are 6th in the Eerste Divisie on 28 points after 18 games, AZ Alkmaar Reserves are 17th on 17 points after the same number of games
- Roda JC are winless in their last 5 games (D3, L2) while AZ Alkmaar Reserves are on a 2 match losing streak
- Roda JC have conceded an average of 1.22 goals per game at home (11 goals in 9 matches) this season
Chess match in Kerkrade as pragmatism meets possession
Roda JC have been inconsistent of late and are coming into this game off the back of a 1-1 away draw with FC Emmen, a 1-2 home loss to FC Dordrecht and a 0-0 draw at MVV Maastricht.
Kevin van Dessel’s men play a direct and aggressive style of soccer that focuses on transitions from wide areas with a flexible formation that can take advantage of any space left by the opposition.
Our Roda JC Kerkrade vs AZ Alkmaar Reserves prediction is influenced by the fact that Roda JC are coming off two games without a win at home, where they have picked up 3 wins, 4 draws and 2 defeats in the Eerste Divisie 2025/2026.
Anthony van den Hurk is the top scorer for Roda JC, having netted 8 goals in 17 league appearances, but Iman Griffith has scored 3 of their last 7 goals and brings plenty of pace to the flanks.
Jong AZ are on a poor run
AZ Alkmaar Reserves have had a similarly poor run, losing 4 of their last 5 matches after a 0-1 home defeat by TOP Oss and a 4-2 defeat away at FC Emmen.
Leeroy Echteld’s men focus on controlling the ball, patient build-up and high pressing, allowing their young players to develop tactical awareness.
This Roda JC Kerkrade vs AZ Alkmaar Reserves preview highlights that Sem van Duijn has been the top goal scorer for Jong AZ, with 9 goals in 17 appearances, and he is their biggest threat in the offensive third, although Jasper Hartog has scored 2 of their last 5 and is in form.
Roda JC should edge out their guests
Roda JC are favourites at 1.7 with AZ 4.37, but both teams to score at 1.56 and over 2.5 goals at 1.57 should be the bet here with this clash of styles likely to lead to plenty of attacking play.
The Roda JC Kerkrade vs AZ Alkmaar Reserves betting tips suggest that AZ have won 1 and lost 1 in their last 2 away games, and while Roda JC have had a mixed run at home, they should have the squad strength to see off the talented but inconsistent visitors.
Both teams have won 2 and drawn 1 in the last 5 matches of this fixture, which finished 3-3 at this venue in the previous Eerste Divisie season.
With Roda JC’s senior pragmatism set to clash with Jong AZ’s academy-driven possession approach, the Roda JC Kerkrade vs AZ Alkmaar Reserves prediction is that this could be a chess match that will be fascinating to watch.
