Jong AZ's side has been decimated by squad rotation, with nine regulars missing, making this a completely different proposition to the team that started the season. MVV, too, arrive with ten changes, so both line-ups are makeshift. The last three meetings between these sides…
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Sign inJong AZ Alkmaar entertain MVV Maastricht at the AFAS Trainingscomplex in Wijdewormer on Friday 28 August 2026 as the Eerste Divisie regular season enters its fourth round. The young Alkmaar side are still searching for a first point, while the visitors arrive boasting a perfect record from three matches.
Frank Peereboom’s youngsters have found the early weeks tough. A 3-1 defeat at FC Emmen on the opening day featured a late consolation from Yoel van den Ban, and they pushed De Graafschap all the way last time out only to lose 3-2. Bendegúz Kovács scored a penalty and Bjorn van Zijl netted late in that game, but defensive lapses proved costly. The average of 15.0 tackles per match – joint-tenth in the division – hints at a side still learning to control contests at senior level.
MVV have been the story of the early season. A 1-0 home win over relegated FC Volendam last weekend made it three successive victories without conceding, leaving them top of the nascent table. Coach Edwin Hermans has built a side that blends experience with organisation; their 16.5 tackles per match suggests a well-drilled unit that wins the ball back efficiently. The clean sheet against Volendam underlined their defensive resolve.
The contest likely pivots on whether Jong AZ can convert promising moments into goals against the division’s tightest rearguard. Kovács, van Zijl and van den Ban have each shown flashes in the final third, but MVV have yet to be breached. How Peereboom’s creative players handle the Maastricht press will define the evening.
A first point would give Jong AZ a platform to build from, while MVV are aiming to extend a 100% start that already has them dreaming of a promotion push. The Wijdewormer crowd will hope their young side can spring a surprise.
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