Fortuna Sittard and AZ Alkmaar meet in a fascinating early-season clash, with both sides heavily rotated – Fortuna missing six regulars and AZ resting eight. Despite the changes, AZ's underlying numbers are far superior, averaging over 2.0 expected goals per game while conceding…
Sign in for full analysis →Sign in to view how our call changed
Sign inFortuna Sittard welcome early Eredivisie leaders AZ Alkmaar to the Fortuna Sittard Stadion on Saturday, 22 August 2026, in a Round 3 encounter that pits one of the surprise packages of the opening fortnight against a side with a perfect record. The hosts sit fourth with four points after a win and a draw, while AZ top the table with maximum points.
Fortuna will be without midfielder Sven Simons, who is nursing a hamstring injury expected to keep him out until early September. Centre-back Iván Márquez is rated day-to-day, while winger Kristoffer Peterson is also sidelined. The hosts have still spread goals around, with Shiloh ’t Zand, Ole Romeny, Edouard Michut, Lequincio Zeefuik and Philip Brittijn all already on the scoresheet this term.
AZ’s injury list is longer. Midfield anchor Jordy Clasie (late August return) and right-back Denso Kasius (groin) are unlikely to feature, while striker Jizz Hornkamp (ankle) and Stije Resink (knee) are also out. On a brighter note, Kees Smit has recovered fully and started in the win at Utrecht, while he and Mateo Chavez have provided two assists each in the opening two matches.
Fortuna have taken four points from a possible six, drawing 2-2 at PSV Eindhoven on the opening day before beating Cambuur at home. The PSV result showcased their resilience — Michut’s goal earning a point — and the win against Cambuur was sealed by ’t Zand. Manager Danny Buijs has instilled a collective attacking threat with five different scorers, making them hard to contain.
AZ have been explosive. They crushed PSV 4-0 in Eindhoven in a statement result, then beat ADO Den Haag 2-0 at home. Six different players — Ro-Zangelo Daal, Peer Koopmeiners, Weslley Patati, Ayoub Oufkir, Mexx Meerdink and Calvin Stengs — have already netted, showing the depth Echteld has at his disposal. Their 17 goals in five matches across all competitions this month underline a team in ruthless rhythm.
With Clasie missing, AZ’s midfield engine will likely be driven by Peer Koopmeiners, whose late runs into the box have already brought a goal. For Fortuna, the creative hub is Edouard Michut, who returned from a disrupted pre-season to score against PSV and will look to disrupt AZ’s rhythm. The duel between Koopmeiners’ physicality and Michut’s craft could decide where the game is won.
Fortuna Sittard have made themselves difficult to beat at home, but the visitors’ firepower presents the sternest examination yet. A home upset would tighten the top of the early Eredivisie table, while another AZ victory would cement their status as the division’s team to catch.
Sign in to view match stats
Sign inSign in to view player ratings
Sign inSign in to view lineups
Sign inSign in to view head to head
Sign inSign in to view squad availability
Sign inSign in to view group standings
Sign in
