FC Utrecht vs AZ Alkmaar

Just two matchdays into the new Eredivisie season, Utrecht host AZ Alkmaar in a fixture that already carries early-season weight. Utrecht finished sixth last term and are chasing a route into Europe via the Conference League, while AZ, seventh a year ago, arrive as one of the league's fancied dark horses under new coach Lee-Roy Echteld. Neither side wants an early setback to derail their ambitions this soon. AZ head into the weekend full of confidence after thrashing PSV Eindhoven 4-0 to win the Johan Cruyff Shield, with Mexx Meerdink continuing to impress as the club's new focal point up front and midfielder Kees Smit drawing praise from admirers abroad. Utrecht's preparations have been bumpier: preseason defeats to De Graafschap and Sevilla have tested new coach Anthony Correia, though wide threats Angel Alarcon and Yoann Cathline give the hosts a route to goal. The reverse fixture last season went Utrecht's way, a 2-0 win back in March. Our prediction: 1-1