Zulte Waregem vs AZ Alkmaar - Friendlies Clubs

Zulte Waregem prepare to host AZ Alkmaar at the home ground on July 18, 2026, with both sides eager to assert their credentials and claim a result that could define their Friendlies Clubs season. Just as was the case in the previous meeting between the teams in April of last year, when Emery's side gave them such a scare in the Champions League tie at Villa Park, PSG were hanging on at the end.

Both Zulte Waregem and AZ Alkmaar will be eager to build momentum when they meet in Friendlies Clubs. The hosts will hope that the the home ground crowd can inspire a performance, whatever the numbers suggest. AZ Alkmaar will travel with intent, knowing that a positive result here could kick-start their campaign. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player On Sunday, there was the opportunity to attend another thriller as Augsburg went top of the table.

Stylistically, this is a compelling matchup. Zulte Waregem favour a patient, possession-based approach, whereas AZ Alkmaar are at their most dangerous when allowed to hit quickly on the counter. But the Greek winger believes the mentality Arsenal are showing in pre-season is a sign they are ready to defend their crown.

Individual moments of quality could tip the balance. Both sides possess players capable of producing something out of nothing, and a single flash of brilliance may be all that separates them. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. The one thing I've noticed about Tottenham over the last few years is they never had a dominant midfielder.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. Neither side holds a clear edge, and a 1-1 draw would be a fitting reflection of the balance between them. More than just three points is on the line at the home ground — this is a fixture that could shape the narrative of both clubs' seasons. A more central role appears likely given the sale of Youri Tielemans to Manchester United and the anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered by Amadou Onana at the World Cup.