MATCH PREVIEWS

AZ Alkmaar vs Ajax: KNVB Cup Fireworks in the Last 16!

It’s all set to go down in Alkmaar as AZ host Ajax in what is undoubtedly the standout tie of the KNVB Cup’s last 16. With Ajax chasing a domestic double and AZ riding a wave of confidence, expect an intense clash at the AFAS stadium.

Key Stats to Know

AZ's Home Advantage: AZ are in scintillating form, picking up 13 points from their last five league games. Troy Parrott, their talisman, has already bagged 10 goals this season and will be key if AZ are to cause an upset. They’ve been tough to crack at home, scoring consistently and using their front-foot style to keep opponents on the back foot.

Ajax's Team Effort: Ajax might be just four points behind PSV in the Eredivisie, but there’s a significant gap in firepower. While PSV have blasted in 61 goals this season, Ajax have managed 22 fewer. They’re getting results but aren’t exactly thrilling anyone in the process. However, their ability to grind out wins keeps them in contention for trophies, even if the fireworks are missing.

Betting Suggestions

This game could be tighter than it appears, but there’s plenty of value in the markets. Both teams to score in the first half, priced at 3.7, feels like a smart pick given AZ’s aggressive home approach and Ajax’s knack for eventually finding the net. If you’re feeling bold, AZ to win 2-0 at 15.0 could be worth a punt. Their home advantage and current form might just overwhelm an Ajax side struggling to score freely.

This game is available via our partner Booms Bet. Click here.

Arsenal vs Tottenham: Derby Drama at the Emirates

London’s calling and it’s North London derby time. Arsenal host Tottenham at the Emirates in what could be a season-defining clash for both sides. Mikel Arteta’s side is hunting for silverware but enters this game under pressure, with whispers of doubt creeping in after back-to-back cup exits. On the other hand, Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs have had a chaotic league campaign but are still alive in all cup competitions. A result here could be the spark they need.

Key Stats to Know

Arsenal’s Home Fortress: The Gunners have been sharp at the Emirates, winning five, drawing two, and losing just once in their last eight home games. Their defence has been particularly impressive, conceding just 0.62 goals per game from an xG of 0.95. Offensively, however, they’ve been slightly underwhelming, scoring 1.62 goals per game despite an xG of 2.06. If key players like Bukayo Saka and Ben White are missing, Arteta will need his side to dig deep.

Tottenham’s Unpredictability: Spurs are an enigma this season. They’re dismantling Manchester City 4-0 or Aston Villa 4-1 one week. The next, they’re losing to Ipswich at home or throwing away two-goal leads. Ten league losses tell one story, while their ability to deliver high-scoring wins against top teams tells another. If there’s one constant with Tottenham, it’s that their games rarely lack goals or drama.

Betting Suggestions

This derby promises fireworks, and there’s plenty of value in the markets. Spurs to win 3-2 at 40.0 might seem like a wild long shot, but considering both teams' styles and the stakes, it’s worth a punt. For those who love chaos, both teams to score in both halves at 10.0 is another tempting option. With Arsenal needing to play on the front foot and Spurs eager to prove they’re more than just this season’s nearly men, expect a clash packed with drama and goals.

This game is available via our partner Booms Bet. Click here.

WTF?

🤦‍♂️ When It Rains, It Pours for Chelsea's Mudryk

Talk about having a rough start to 2025. Chelsea's £88m winger Mykhailo Mudryk is already dealing with a potential doping ban, and now his love life's making headlines for all the wrong reasons.

The tea: Russian model Violetta Bert (779k Instagram followers, but who's counting?) has reportedly traded Mudryk for Juventus and USMNT star Weston McKennie. The plot thickened when both Bert and McKennie posted pics from the same fancy French ski resort, Courchevel, though McKennie quickly deleted his snaps faster than a Chelsea counterattack.

The timeline:

• October: Mudryk fails a doping test

• November: Last played for Chelsea

• January: Gets reportedly dumped for McKennie

Between the lines: While Mudryk waits for his B-sample results (and potentially faces a four-year ban), Bert's already unfollowed him on Instagram. In 2025, that's basically a breakup announcement.

Bottom line: When your £88m signing is facing a doping ban AND getting ghosted on Instagram, you know it's not going great. At least Chelsea fans can take solace in... actually, never mind. 😬

DID YOU KNOW?

👨‍🦳 When Van Gaal Was Just Louis: The Player Before The Philosophy

Before he was dropping tactical masterclasses and memorable press conferences, Louis van Gaal was grinding it out in Dutch football. But here's where it gets interesting...

Born in Amsterdam, young Louis started at amateur side RKSV de Meer before landing at Ajax's second team. 

Spoiler alert: He never made the first team (something about two guys named Johan Cruyff and Johan Neeskens hogging the spotlight).

The stats sheet:

• 4 seasons at Royal Antwerp (with a runner-up medal)

• 26 goals for Sparta Rotterdam

• Wrapped up his playing days at AZ

• 1 broken nose (courtesy of a friendly vs Kortrijk)

Between the lines: Van Gaal's playing career took him from Amsterdam to Antwerp, then through Telstar and Sparta Rotterdam before calling it quits at AZ. It's not exactly Champions League stuff, but he was building that famous tactical brain one game at a time.

The plot twist? That journey from amateur football to Eredivisie regular would lay the groundwork for one of football's most decorated managers.

Bottom line: Before he was the philosopher king of the dugout, Van Gaal was just another Amsterdam kid chasing the dream. Turns out he was just warming up for his real masterclass. 🎯

MEME OF THE DAY

I thought PSV had already won the league?

WHO WILL WIN?