**AZ rolls into the Eredivisie opener as heavy favorites**, and their prep-season form gives them every reason to swagger. 🔵

Both sides come in hot — AZ with three wins and some slick attacking displays, ADO on a four-win streak. But AZ's pedigree and **home advantage at AFAS** tilt this decisively in their favor, especially given their **dominance in the head-to-head**.

Key storylines:

- **AZ's attacking depth** tested early: Jensen, Daal, and Parrott will be hunting space against a solid ADO backline
- **ADO's defensive shape** under pressure — Sylla, de Ruijter, and Hokke need to weather the opening storm
- **Mijnans and Clasie controlling tempo** for AZ; van Mieghem's midfield work critical for Den Haag's balance

Expected lineups:

- **AZ Alkmaar**: Owusu-Oduro, Penetra, Dijkstra, Ichihara, Goes, Mijnans, Clasie, Jensen, Daal, Parrott, Meerdink
- **ADO Den Haag**: Nikièma, Waem, Sylla, de Ruijter, Hokke, van Mieghem, Kilo, Peupion, Rottier, Reischl, Bal

Prediction:

**AZ Alkmaar 2–0 ADO Den Haag**

AZ's superior firepower and home comfort give them the edge; ADO will scrap, but AZ's rhythm wins the day. ⚪