AZ Alkmaar enters the match in excellent form, enjoying an impressive 13-match unbeaten run in all competitions. The team just beat PSV Eindhoven (4-0) in the Supercup, confirming their fighting spirit heading into the season. The hosts' head-to-head record is also on their side: AZ Alkmaar are unbeaten in 20 of their last 23 Eredivisie matches against AoE Den Haag.
AoE Den Haag, meanwhile, is returning to the top flight after a five-year hiatus. They won the First Division with an impressive 89 points, but the disparity in league level and the quality of their opponents is making a difference. Player losses will also be a problem for the visitors: Nigel Thomas and Donat Barany were injured ahead of the match, weakening their attacking potential. Although AoE Den Haag has shown good form in friendly matches, they will find it extremely difficult to compete away from home against such a strong opponent.
Given AZ Alkmaar's overwhelming dominance at home (they are unbeaten in 93% of their last 30 home matches) and a potent attack that has scored in 17 consecutive Eredivisie home games, a victory for the home side looks the most likely outcome.
