The upcoming match between Heracles Almelo and AZ presents an interesting scenario. Both teams have shown vulnerabilities in defense, with concerning average goals conceded both at home and away. However, when looking at the current form of the two teams, Heracles Almelo seems to have the upper hand.
In terms of previous encounters between the two teams, the trend has been towards low-scoring matches. This suggests that we may not see a high-scoring affair when they meet again. It is also worth noting that AZ has performed well away from home in general, so they cannot be counted out despite their defensive issues.
Heracles Almelo, under the guidance of coach Erwin van de Looi, has been averaging 1.3 goals per game this season. On the other hand, Maarten Martens' AZ has a slightly higher average of 1.7 goals per game. This indicates that both teams have the ability to find the back of the net, adding another layer of unpredictability to the match.
Looking at the head-to-head record, Heracles Almelo has secured two victories when facing AZ, while AZ has also claimed two wins. This shows that both teams have been evenly matched in recent encounters, with one draw also in the mix.
Taking all these factors into consideration, it seems that Heracles Almelo might have a slight advantage going into this match. Their current form and the historical record against AZ could play in their favor. However, AZ's ability to perform well away from home and their slightly higher goal-scoring average should not be overlooked.
Ultimately, this match has the potential to be a closely contested affair with both teams capable of finding the back of the net. It will be interesting to see how the dynamics play out on the day and which team will come out on top.