1. Main Players Comparison
AZ Alkmaar
Core: Owusu-Oduro (GK, 11 apps), Penetra (11 apps), Maikuma (2A, 1G), Koopmeiners (11 apps, 1A).
Midfield/Attack: Mijnans (4G, 1A), Parrott (4G, 1A), Clasie (1G, 1A).
Output: ~10 goals, ~5 assists from central/core attacking players.
Stability: Young squad, but limited experience. Dependence on Parrott & Mijnans for offensive spark.
PEC Zwolle
Core: Schendelaar (GK, 30 apps, 2G), MacNulty (34 apps, 1A), El Azzouzi (33 apps, 1A).
Attack: Vente (13G), Krastev (6G, 4A), van den Berg (4G, 3A), Mbayo (4G, 7A).
Output: ~27 goals, ~15 assists from frontline players.
Stability: More experienced spine, with Vente as proven finisher and Krastev + Mbayo offering balanced creativity.
Verdict: PEC Zwolle currently possesses the superior attacking returns and proven scorers, while AZ is still finding balance.
2. New Players Comparison
AZ Alkmaar
Key Additions: Isak Jensen, Mateo Chávez, van Brederode, Kristijan Belic.
Output: Mostly developmental, with limited first-team impact so far.
Impact: Depth signings, with long-term growth potential rather than immediate scoring influence.
PEC Zwolle
Key Additions: Thijs Oosting (1G), Reijnders (1A), Ryan Thomas (2A).
Output: ~1 goal, ~3 assists from new players.
Impact: Reinforcements mainly rotational, but Oosting and Thomas provide occasional midfield push.
Verdict: Neither side has major game-changing signings, but Zwolle’s additions add modest immediate value compared to Alkmaar’s youth-based focus.
3. Substitutes Comparison
AZ Alkmaar
Impact Players: Lahdo (430 mins, rotational), van Bommel (3G in 317 mins), Smit (1G, 2A), Kasius (2A).
Totals: ~4 goals, ~4 assists from bench options.
Depth: Decent youth productivity, particularly van Bommel as a clinical finisher from limited minutes.
PEC Zwolle
Impact Players: Velanas (1G, 2A), Namli (4G, 2A), Reijnders (1A), de Rooij (2G, 1A).
Totals: ~9 goals, ~6 assists from substitutes.
Depth: Far more reliable rotation scoring compared to Alkmaar, with Namli and Mbayo able to shift momentum.
Verdict: PEC Zwolle’s bench is clearly more productive, giving them a late-game edge.
4. Consolidated Quality Scorecard
Category | AZ Alkmaar | PEC Zwolle |
Main Players | ⭐⭐⭐ (10G, 5A; young but limited output) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (27G, 15A; strong attack) |
New Players | ⭐⭐ (youth, low impact) | ⭐⭐⭐ (modest but useful impact) |
Substitutes | ⭐⭐⭐ (4G, 4A; van Bommel key) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (9G, 6A; Namli & Velanas impactful) |
Overall Depth | Developing youth core | Balanced, more reliable depth |
Key Weakness | Reliance on Parrott/Mijnans, inexperienced squad | Defensive gaps, over-reliance on Vente |
5. Predicted Outcome
Momentum & Depth: PEC Zwolle carries stronger scoring depth and proven attacking finishers.
Attacking Balance: Zwolle spreads contributions across Vente, Krastev, and Mbayo, while AZ heavily leans on Parrott and Mijnans.
Defensive Solidity: Alkmaar has promise in Penetra and Koopmeiners, but lacks cohesion compared to Zwolle’s structured spine.
Likely Result: PEC Zwolle edge the contest due to offensive productivity and stronger bench.
Expected Scoreline:
- AZ Alkmaar 1 – 2 PEC Zwolle
