Heracles will host AZ Alkmaar in the semi-finals of the KNVB Beker on Thursday, 27 February.
With the place in the finals on the line, which team will celebrate after this match? Read our Heracles vs AZ Alkmaar prediction and preview to find that out.
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Heracles vs AZ Alkmaar prediction: Guests to secure a spot in the Cup final
Key facts:
- Heracles have conceded 8 goals in their last 4 home matches this season.
- Both teams have scored in five of the last eight H2H duels between these teams and six of the last eight H2Hs have gone over 2.5 goals.
- AZ have scored in nine of their last 10 away games.
Correct score prediction Heracles 1-2 AZ Alkmaar
AZ’s attacking depth and Cup experience, along with their recent H2H record against Heracles, suggest that we will see the guests win this game, but it won't be easy and Heracles certainly have the quality to score a goal in this game.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Bookies favour the guests
- HOME: 19/5 (4.80) – 20.80%
- DRAW: 13/5 (3.60) – 27.80%
- AWAY: 13/20 (1.65) – 60.60%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
We can see from these Heracles vs AZ Alkmaar odds that the guests are the expected winners, which makes sense looking at the standings of both teams in the league this season where AZ Alkmaar are 19 points ahead.
However, this is a cup game and Heracles will have the home-court advantage, so we expect this to be more exciting than the odds might suggest.
In any case, if you liked our predictions for this match, check our other football betting tips for today.
Recent H2Hs: AZ Alkmaar with the advantage
AZ Alkmaar have generally had the better Heracles, beating them three times in their last five duels. The same is true if we go further back and look at their overall H2H record: 32-5-7 in favour of AZ Alkmaar.
Netherlands Eredivisie 01/12/24
AZ
Heracles
Netherlands Eredivisie 03/04/24
Heracles
AZ
Netherlands Eredivisie 28/09/23
AZ
Heracles
Netherlands Eredivisie 19/02/22
AZ
Heracles
Netherlands Cup 15/12/21
AZ
Heracles
Heracles Almelo preview: The opportunity of a lifetime
With only one Cup final in their history, which was fairly recently back in 2012 when they lost to PSV, this is certainly a unique opportunity for Heracles to go that far once again. They will certainly hope for the history to repeat itself since back then they also had to go through AZ Alkmaar in the semis and they managed to win the game in extra time.
Meanwhile, Heracles aren't having a great season in the Eredivisie where they're dangerously close to the relegation zone, but they did only lose once in their last seven league matches, so they're in good form.
Jizz Hornkamp, Jan Zamburek,, Mario Engels, Emil Hansson, and Sava-Arangel Cestic are all on the team's injury list heading into this match.
Predicted lineup: De Keijzer (GK), Wieckhoff, Mirani, Mesik, Rots, Scheperman, De Keersmaecker, Talvitie, Bruns, Podgoreanu & Kulenovic
Netherlands Eredivisie 09/05/25
W
Willem II
1
Heracles
2
Netherlands Eredivisie 03/05/25
L
Feyenoord
4
Heracles
1
Netherlands Eredivisie 23/04/25
L
FC Groningen
4
Heracles
1
Netherlands Eredivisie 13/04/25
W
AZ
0
Heracles
1
Netherlands Eredivisie 06/04/25
D
RKC
0
Heracles
0
AZ Alkmaar preview: Hoping to justify the favourite's tag
While AZ Alkmaar have struggled in the Eredivisie to stay in the title race and they're currently fourth in the league, 14 points behind Ajax at the top, they are having a good season overall. After all, they are one step away from making it to the final of the KNVB Cup and they've reached Round of 16 in the Europa League after eliminating Galatasaray recently.
When it comes to team news, Mexx Meerdink, Sem Westerveld, and Ruben van Bommel are out with injuries, while Sven Mijnans is doubtful.
Predicted lineup: Owuso-Odoro (GK), Maikuma, Goes, Penetra, Wolfe, Koopmeiners, Clasie, Poku, Buurmeester, Lahdo & Parrott
Netherlands Eredivisie 11/05/25
W
FC Groningen
0
AZ
3
Netherlands Eredivisie 04/05/25
W
Go Ahead Eagles
0
AZ
3
Netherlands Eredivisie 24/04/25
D
NAC
1
AZ
1
Netherlands Cup 21/04/25
L
Go Ahead Eagles
1 (4)
AZ
1 (2)
Netherlands Eredivisie 13/04/25
L
Heracles
1
AZ
0
Player to watch: Troy Parrot
With 12 goals in the Eredivisie, the young Irish forward was able to sufficiently replace Vangelis Pavlidis, AZ's top scorer last season who departed in the summer.
That being said, Parrot only scored once in three KNVB Beker games, although he wasn't a started in one of them. Still, as the main offensive weapon for AZ Alkmaar this season, Heracles will have to keep a close eye on him in this match.