Fortuna Sittard v AZ: early leaders visit unbeaten hosts | OneFootball

Fortuna Sittard host AZ in the Eredivisie on Saturday, 22 August 2026 at the Fortuna Sittard Stadion, with the visitors top after two wins and the hosts unbeaten in fourth. The game is an early test of AZ's fast start and the home side's European play-off ambitions.

AZ won the last meeting 2-0 in April, while Fortuna Sittard edged a seven-goal thriller 4-3 in December. The leaders arrive with six points and a goal difference of plus five, the hosts have four points and momentum.

AZ opened with a 2-0 home win over ADO Den Haag and a 4-1 success at Utrecht. Fortuna Sittard drew 2-2 at PSV before beating Cambuur 3-1.

Danny Buijs's side are without Kristoffer Peterson (forward), Ivan Marquez (defender) and Sven Simons (midfielder) through injury. Leeroy Echteld's squad list shows Jordy Clasie (midfielder), Jizz Hornkamp (forward) and Denso Kasius (defender) sidelined.

Season trends point to a contrast. AZ average 53% possession with 83.54% passing accuracy and 28 total shots, while Fortuna Sittard sit at 30% possession but have been clinical, scoring five from 19 attempts with 68.42% shooting accuracy. For the visitors, Kees Smit and Mateo Chávez lead the supply line with two assists each, while Ro Daal, Peer Koopmeiners and Mexx Meerdink are among the scorers. Shiloh 't Zand, Edouard Michut and Philip Brittijn have struck for the hosts.

AZ could strengthen their grip on first place with another result. Fortuna Sittard could consolidate a play-off berth and keep pace with the early frontrunners. Next, AZ are set to host Go Ahead Eagles, while Fortuna Sittard travel to Groningen.