MATCH PREVIEWS

AZ vs Feyenoord: Trouble Brewing for the Champions in Alkmaar

It’s all going down at the AFAS Stadion this Saturday as AZ welcomes Feyenoord to what’s shaping up to be a spicy Eredivisie clash. Third versus fifth, and both sides have something to prove.

Key Stats to Know

AZ have quietly built a fortress at home. Five wins, one draw and one loss in their last seven, scoring exactly 2 goals per game off an xG of 2.12. Solid at the back too, letting in just 0.86 goals on average with xG against sitting at 0.8. 

That midfield might be a bit lighter without Jordy Clasie, who’s suspended. The big boost is Troy Parrott. The Irish striker has already banged in 19 goals this season and he’s starting.

Feyenoord are a different beast away from De Kuip. Just one win from their last seven on the road, with their defense leaking badly at 2.14 goals conceded per game. The numbers back it up, too. 

xG against sits at 1.83. They’re scoring 1.43 per match, but it hasn’t been enough. The one bright spark is Igor Paixão. Six goals in his last five games and was very much the man in form.

Betting Suggestions

AZ at home, Feyenoord stumbling away, and a standout striker in Parrott. This one feels lined up for a narrow AZ win. A 2-1 victory for the hosts is priced at 8.75 and looks like solid value. If you want something spicier, both teams to score in the first half at 4.1 could be a flyer worth taking. With the attacking talent on show, we might not be waiting long for fireworks.

Barcelona vs Real Betis: Title Pressure Builds at Camp Nou

The title race is heating up and Barcelona can’t afford to slip up. Saturday’s visit from Real Betis might look manageable on paper, but at this stage of the season, every point feels like a final. Camp Nou will be buzzing and the expectations will be sky-high.

Key Stats to Know

Barcelona are flying at home. Unbeaten in their last nine at Camp Nou with seven wins and two draws, they’ve been ruthless up front. They’re banging in 3.22 goals per game from an xG of 2.58. That’s clinical. They’re looking sharp at the back, too, with just 1 goal conceded per match from an xG of 0.79. Robert Lewandowski is doing what he does best, with 37 goals in all competitions, and Ferran Torres is peaking at just the right time with five in his last five.

Betis are no slouches on the road. Five wins in their last seven away, scoring 2.29 goals per game off an xG of 1.67. But that defence is looking shaky. They’re leaking 1.57 goals a match and will be without Isco, who is suspended just when they need him most. Giovani Lo Celso is now their go-to man with eight goals this season.

Betting Suggestions

Barcelona knows what’s at stake and should have too much firepower for a Betis side that is missing its creative engine. A 3-1 home win is priced at 10.0 and looks very tasty. If Betis do dig in and make it a bit of a grind, 2-1 at 8.5 also makes sense. Either way, the home side should walk away with all three points.

WTF?

Arsenal's Latest Trophy Hunt? Your Love Life 💘

Move over, Hinge, Arsenal's getting into the dating game. The Gunners just announced "The Big Match," a blind dating show that pairs up single fans for matchday meetups at the Emirates. Because nothing says romance like watching VAR decisions together, right?

How it works:

• Singles apply to get matched with fellow Gooners

• First date includes watching a match together

• Cameras follow the whole thing (no pressure!)

• Must explain why Arsenal was their "first love"

Between the lines: While Arsenal is still hunting for its first Premier League title since 2004, it's apparently determined to help its fans score off the pitch. The deadline is April 11th, though fans are split on whether this was an April Fool's joke or just peak Arsenal being Arsenal.

Bottom line: In a season where Arsenal's title hopes might end in heartbreak again, at least some fans might find their perfect match. Though, as one fan noted on X: "They'll do everything except win a trophy." 😅

DID YOU KNOW?

ROCK BOTTOM WATCH: Southampton's Race to Avoid Premier League History 😬

Southampton are one point away from avoiding the "worst Premier League team ever" title? With just 10 points and 8 games to go, they're inches from Derby County's infamous record low of 11 points from 2007-08.

Saints defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis called the situation "embarrassing," and the pressure's on to snag just one more point to match Derby's record (or two to avoid it entirely). But with their current form and Spurs up next... let's just say Derby County fans are watching nervously.

Fun fact: Derby's legendary "worst season ever" included just one win and eight draws. Their goal difference? A brutal -69. Now that's what we call setting the bar low. 🥅

MEME OF THE DAY

Hey, Siri, what does ‘capitulation’ mean?

WHO WILL WIN?