AZ v ADO Den Haag: opening-day test as hosts ride strong summer, visitors bring clean sheets | OneFootball

AZ and ADO Den Haag begin their Eredivisie campaigns on Saturday, 8 August 2026 in Alkmaar, with early points and momentum in play after contrasting but promising pre-season runs.

AZ have dominated recent head-to-heads and arrive on the back of a convincing summer, including a four-goal win away to PSV. ADO Den Haag's tune-up featured a 4-0 victory at Lommel SK and a 0-0 draw with Asteras, pointing to a solid defensive base.

AZ are without Jordy Clasie, Jizz Hornkamp and Denso Kasius through injury. ADO Den Haag list Cameron Peupion and Pascal Mulder as sidelined.

The hosts may look to carry their attacking rhythm into the league opener, with options such as Troy Parrott and Calvin Stengs available to support the front line. ADO Den Haag could lean on their recent defensive organisation and look to spring forwards like Nigel Thomas or Daryl Van Mieghem in transition after those two clean sheets in July.

With both sides starting on zero points, a win would put AZ on three and could place them among the early European-spot contenders. Three points for ADO Den Haag would do the same on opening weekend, offering a platform before a home game against Groningen next time out.