De Graafschap vs Jong AZ - Eerste Divisie

The history between De Graafschap and Jong AZ lends this Eerste Divisie fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at the home ground on August 17, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. Real Madrid vs Fiorentina: Line-ups, stats and preview for pre-season clash.

The standings paint a clear picture: De Graafschap in 1st, Jong AZ in 19th, and both keen to climb. De Graafschap are in the midst of a difficult spell, WLLLL in their last five summing up a win rate of 0%. On the road the visitors have looked devoid of inspiration, DLWWL in their last five and a win rate of 0% that makes for sobering reading. Their respective approaches this season have differed noticeably, and the tactical contrast could prove telling. Teams are more likely to allow a defender to bring the ball up the pitch than a winger playing in a far more advanced position.

Set-piece efficiency could prove the difference on the night. Both De Graafschap and Jong AZ have invested time in dead-ball situations this season, and a single corner or free-kick may settle it. Every word from Enzo Maresca's press conference including Man City team news and Manchester derby admission.

The fixture features no shortage of talent, and the league's top marksman J. N'djoli — 10 goals this term — will be one to watch. Discipline at the back and sharpness in front of goal will likely tilt the balance one way or the other. According to a report from Sportowy, Liverpool are keeping tabs on the 20-year-old attacking midfielder, and they are gathering reports on his performances and his development.

The fixture has the feel of a coin-flip, and picking a winner with any conviction would require a braver pundit than most. All signs point towards a home win, with De Graafschap favoured to come out on top by a 2-1 scoreline. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. The club are understood to favour a profile closer to Aurelien Tchouameni or a Premier League‑proven alternative rather than Manu Kone.