NETHERLANDS ..... CUP

AZ ALKMAAR - NAC BREDA

Hosts are the best team by far in Holland, they might not have the best players, but Louis van Gaal has assembled the strongest unit. They lead Eredivisie by nine points and also hold a superior goal difference, they are coasting towards only their second ever title and their first since 1981. AZ do have three KNVB cups in their trophy cabinet, but with the last of these also won in the early eighties, I do not expect them to let the opportunity to record a famous double, slip through their fingers.

Infact, I feel we will see an incredibly motivated performance from the home team. They have lost just one home start all season, which came on the opening day of the season, to, yes, you guessed it, Breda. AZ dominated, but lost to two Matthew Amoah goals, amazingly they have allowed only a single goal at home since that day, recording 12 straight wins. So, Amoah has scored two thirds of all goal AZ have conceded on home soil this season, doubtless he will come in for special attention this evening.

After losing their two opening games, AZ have gone 22 Eredivisie starts unbeaten, winning 19 and keeping an eyecatching 17 clean sheets, they have won 11 of their last 14 by either 1-0 or 2-0 , including eight by the latter scoreline. William Hill have done their homework and price this up at a restrictive 5.50, but most of the other bookies are offering a more generous 7.0 and that seems too good to pass and must form part of our staking plan.

Ari will again miss out for the hosts, but that seems unlikely to delay the AZ juggernaut and van Gaal will have the returning Lens, Moisander and Pocognoli to give him further options. It would take a brave man to oppose AZ against anyone domestically and with the double being such a big target and a little revenge, which is always satisfying, on the cards, I am confident that we will see this handicap covered.

5.5 points AZ -1.5 goals 1.97 asian line.

1.5 points 2-0 correct score 7.0 general quote .... this is available almost across the board.

Good Luck.