Alkmaar Vs Hapoel Beer Prediction — 2:1

Pointless AZ Need a Home Win Against Unbeaten Hapoel Beer Sheva

AZ have lost two of their last five and sit 25th in the Europa League table, but they have not lost at home since early February

AZ Alkmaar vs Hapoel Beer Sheva — UEFA Europa League 2026/27 (Matchday 2) Prediction

Venue: AFAS Stadion, Alkmaar

Match Preview

AZ Alkmaar have a shaky run going into this one. They are third in the Eredivisie after a 2-0 defeat at Feyenoord last weekend, and they lost 1-0 at Sunderland in their Europa League opener, which leaves them with no points and 25th in the 36-team table. At home they have been far more convincing, and they have not lost at the AFAS Stadion since the start of February.

Hapoel Beer Sheva arrive with better momentum. They are unbeaten in four games, sit 4th in the Israeli Premier League with 13 points from six, and beat Ironi Tiberias 2-0 last time out. In Europe they opened with a goalless draw against Dinamo Zagreb, which gave them a point and 18th place in the table. Their attack was blunt in that game, with only two of 15 shots on target.

This is the first-ever meeting between the clubs and Hapoel's first trip to Alkmaar.

Last 5 Matches (All Competitions)

AZ Alkmaar: 2W 1D 2L — 5 goals scored, 6 conceded

L 0-2 at Feyenoord (Eredivisie)
W 1-0 vs Telstar (Eredivisie)
L 0-1 at Sunderland (Europa League)
D 1-1 vs Willem II (Eredivisie)
W 3-2 at Heerenveen (Eredivisie)

Hapoel Beer Sheva: 3W 1D 1L — 6 goals scored, 4 conceded

W 2-0 at Ironi Tiberias (Israeli Premier League)
W 1-0 vs Kiryat Shmona (Israeli Premier League)
D 0-0 vs Dinamo Zagreb (Europa League)
W 2-0 at Hapoel Petah Tikva (Israeli Premier League)
L 1-4 vs Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israeli Premier League)

AZ's attack has stalled recently, with five goals in five games. Hapoel have kept clean sheets in four of their last five, but their one defeat was a heavy one.

Key Players to Watch

AZ Alkmaar

Mexx Meerdink (attacking midfielder): The creative link between midfield and attack in AZ's young line-up.
Peer Koopmeiners (midfielder): Helps AZ control the tempo in the middle of the park.
Ro-Zangelo Daal (winger): Provides width and pace on the flank.
Jari De Busser (goalkeeper): Expected to start behind a young back line.

Hapoel Beer Sheva

Eliel Peretz (forward): One of Hapoel's top scorers in the league this season.
Guy Mizrahi (defender): A key figure in their back line.
Amankwah (midfielder): Can turn a tight game with his work in midfield.
Zlatanovic (forward): Likely to lead the attack in a counter-attacking set-up.

Team News

AZ Alkmaar: Kees Smit, Stije Resink and Jizz Hornkamp are unavailable, which limits options in midfield and attack. Denso Kasius is also reported out.

Hapoel Beer Sheva: Itay Rotman is out with a knee injury and Lucas Ventura has a hamstring problem.

The final line-ups will be confirmed before kick-off.

Prediction Market

Correct Score: 2-1 or 2-0
Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Leans Yes. Hapoel have scored in each of their last six away games, and AZ have not kept a clean sheet in most recent matches.
Over/Under 1.5 Goals: Over 1.5. AZ's home attack should deliver at least two goals.

Prediction

AZ are the clear favourites. They are unbeaten at home since February, desperate for their first points, and have a stronger squad. Hapoel are organised and in form, but their attack lacked bite against Dinamo Zagreb and they will struggle to break AZ down for long periods.

AZ's recent form and injuries mean it won't be easy, and Hapoel can score on the counter. Expect a home win, with Hapoel getting one goal back.

Predicted Result: AZ Alkmaar to win Confidence Level: 64%

(Hapoel's defensive discipline could keep this tight, but AZ's home record and need for points give them the edge.)

This prediction is based on pre-match form, squad news, and head-to-head analysis. Football remains unpredictable — always check the final team news and lineups before kick-off for the latest picture.

Prediction by Kickhour.com Football Desk — Just Kick It