Pascal Jansen has put AZ Alkmaar on the right track since taking over in early December. The Cheeseheads have won five of their last six, and a win on Sunday, March 21st, would move them level on 55 points with visiting PSV Eindhoven. Although they have been convincing going forward, AZ have only kept one clean sheet during the current run of form. Jansen knows the urgency of fixing his defensive frailties against a talented PSV Team.

Roger Schmidt’s men have been unbeaten in their last six; even though they dropped points in three of those games, they should not be too disappointed about draws against Ajax and Feyenoord. Nonetheless, they now trail Ajax by eight points. PSV will want to avenge the 1-3 defeat they suffered in mid-January, with AZ captain Teun Koopmeiners scoring a double. The Rood-Witten will also want to keep hold of their Champions League place. Only a 0-4 loss or worse can cause PSV to slip to 3rd place.

Three AZ Alkmaar players will miss the game due to injuries. Centre-back Pantelis Chatzidiakos, Midfielder Fredrik Midtsjo and forward Jeremy. All other players are available.

PSV have five players on the injury list. Centre-back Timo Baumgartl, midfielder Richard Ledezma, midfielder Mauro Junior, midfielder Ryan Thomas, and Forward Maximiliano Romero.

Expect Jansen to set up his team with his favoured 4-3-3 formation. AZ like to play possession football and have good quality on the ball in terms of passing accuracy.  He needs the team to remain compact to prevent being outnumbered in midfield, especially when Koopmeiners surges forward from left midfield to join the attack. Forward Jesper Karlsson may have to drop into the middle third as cover in case possession is lost. AZ has the speed and quality to launch dangerous counter-attacks from the defensive third. Myron Boadu can get on the end balls played through into space to deadly effect.

Schmidt’s PSV, play a fluid 4-2-2-2 system. They also like to play possession football, but unlike AZ, they love to shoot. Their full-backs also love to push into midfield and support the attack. Max Phillips leads the team with seven assists from left-back while Denzel Dumfries has five from the right. PSV possess quality throughout the pitch, but they may find themselves having to chase the ball and press against a confident, quality AZ team playing at home. Mario Gotze, Cody Gakpo, Eran Zahavi and Donyell Malen all possess goal threats and can form a fluid front four when in possession.

Both teams must be mindful of recent defensive frailties. The PSV full-backs leave space that Boadu and Karlsson can exploit. PSV can also benefit from space available on the left, where most of AZ’s attacks emerge. AZ will have to pay special attention to pressing and closing down shooting opportunities for Zahavi and track runs by the speedy Malen. Both teams have quality on set pieces, so they will need to avoid conceding dead ball situations. 

The margins will be close in this match as neither team wants to lose ground in the push for Champions League places. AZ’s form and home advantage will give them the upper hand in this fixture. The tactics used and the ability of the players to prevent or take chances will be the difference-maker. AZ should do the double over PSV with a 2-1 victory.