AZ v Excelsior: play-off push meets survival fight | OneFootball

AZ host Excelsior in the Eredivisie on Wednesday, 21 January 2026 in Alkmaar, with the hosts targeting a firmer grip on the European play-off places and the visitors seeking breathing space from the bottom three.

AZ's league form has been mixed, with defeats at Fortuna Sittard and PEC Zwolle either side of a 1-0 home win over Volendam, though they also thrashed Ajax 6-0 in the KNVB Beker. Excelsior have taken four points from their last two home games against PEC Zwolle and Telstar, but lost 5-1 at PSV between those fixtures.

AZ are without midfielder Sven Mijnans, defender Denso Kasius and forward Mexx Meerdink through injury.

Across the season, AZ average 54% possession with 83.14% passing accuracy and have scored 33 league goals. Excelsior have 19 goals and 34 conceded with 46% of the ball on average. Jizz Hornkamp, on 10 league goals, and Troy Parrott, on nine, headline the home threat, while Noah Naujoks leads the visitors with six.

Open play could be decisive. AZ have not scored from set pieces so far, while Excelsior have registered four headed goals and have attempted 235 crosses from open play to AZ's 181. That aerial route may give the visitors a foothold, but the hosts' control and their forwards' form could tilt the balance.

AZ sit eighth on 28 points. A win would take them to 31 and could move them into the top six. Excelsior are 14th on 20 points. Victory would lift them to 23 and further distance them from the relegation play-off place.