AZ Alkmaar vs Gent - Friendlies Clubs

When AZ Alkmaar and Gent clash at the home ground on July 4, 2026, the stakes extend well beyond a single result — this is a Friendlies Clubs fixture that carries real weight for both clubs. He is said to have been described as 'highly compatible with United’s press-heavy, fast-transition system.' United and Arsenal are set to face competition from AC Milan and FC Porto.

There is plenty riding on this Friendlies Clubs encounter for AZ Alkmaar and Gent alike, and neither will want to leave the home ground empty-handed. The hosts will be looking to find their rhythm and put a run of results together. Gent's away form is hard to read, but they will arrive with the belief that they can trouble their hosts. Larson’s long-term plans have attracted renewed attention following teammate Alex Bowman’s recent announcement that he intends to retire from full-time Cup Series competition at the end of the 2027 season.

Set-piece efficiency could prove the difference on the night. Both AZ Alkmaar and Gent have invested time in dead-ball situations this season, and a single corner or free-kick may settle it. Rico Lewis played at right-back, but when City were in possession he tucked infield and supported the midfield pairing of Mateo Kovacic and Reijnders.

Game-changers are scattered across both line-ups, and the contest may well be decided by which side's match-winners deliver on the day. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. Football Features Writer @ghostgoal Matt Bloomfield had been looking forward to the new season with Oxford United.

Predictions are tricky when the sides are this evenly matched, and small margins — a moment of quality, a slice of luck — could decide it either way. The signals point towards a stalemate, with the two sides closely matched across form and standings. A 1-1 draw is easy to envisage. Whatever the outcome, the Friendlies Clubs fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. Important qualities given that Bournemouth will expect him to be proactive.