Match preview: AFAS Trainingscomplex set for a tight encounter
The Eerste Divisie returns to Wijdewormer on 12/12/2025 as Jong AZ welcome Jong FC Utrecht to the AFAS Trainingscomplex. With kick-off at 19:00, the young sides meet in Round 20 and both arrive with mixed form but clear attacking potential on display in recent weeks. Jong AZ will take confidence from a 3-2 win at Roda JC last weekend — a performance that saw Bogdan Budko earn the match’s top rating — while Jong FC Utrecht come off a narrow 2-3 home loss to De Graafschap where Oualid Agougil impressed despite the defeat. The venue’s modest 3,000 capacity promises an intimate evening and a match that could swing on fine margins.
Form and trends that matter
Formlines suggest two teams who can score but also concede: Jong AZ have accumulated 29 goals while shipping 36 across 19 matches, and Jong FC Utrecht are almost identical with 28 scored and 33 conceded. Recent results tilt in favour of entertaining football rather than defensive grit — Jong FC Utrecht’s recent fixtures include several high-scoring affairs and a 3-3 draw away to Jong PSV. Both teams show an Over 2.5 frequency of 63.16%, indicating matches involving these sides have tended to produce multiple goals this season. Head-to-head earlier in the campaign produced a 0-0 stalemate on 30 September, a reminder that these fixtures can also be cagey affairs when both sides cancel each other out.
Stat battle and market read
Shot metrics give Jong FC Utrecht a slight edge in activity: more total shots and shots on target overall, but Jong AZ can be efficient at home and their recent victory at Roda JC will lift morale. Bookmakers make Jong AZ marginal favourites with a home price around 2.05, a probability that reflects their chance to exploit small advantages at AFAS Trainingscomplex. The draw and away prices remain tempting for value hunters, but the underlying numbers — similar goal returns, comparable defensive frailties and recent momentum — point to a match where either side can find the net.
Prediction and Betting Suggestion
Expect a competitive contest with chances at both ends. The balance of recent results and the home side’s mood after a late win nudge this tie towards a home victory. Backing Jong AZ in the 1X2 market offers the best blend of value and probability given the odds and context. For those wanting extra reading on market choice and when to back goal lines, see our Soccer betting tips and the choice of markets and brush up on discipline with How to have emotional control when placing bets?
Betting suggestion: 1X2 — Jong AZ to win (Home) at approximately 2.05.