Prediction SC Cambuur Leeuwarden - AZ Alkmaar today 19:30 18/10/2026.

Cambuur has shown resilience with two recent victories, including a 3-0 win over Nijmegen, indicating a temporary improvement in their attacking play.

The stable starting lineup features key players such as goalkeeper Thijs Jansen and the defense consisting of Ismaël Baouf, Morgan Costarelli, and Jamal Amofa, helping Cambuur maintain defensive consistency.

Tactical flexibility, with the ability to change formations from 4-2-3-1 to 4-3-3 depending on the opponent, demonstrates good adaptability in different matches.

Cambuur is in 12th place in the Eredivisie 2026-2027 league table after 8 matches, with 8 points (2 wins, 2 draws, 4 losses), reflecting the average level of competition in the tournament.

Impressive scoring ability (average 3.75 goals per game) and the 'both teams to score' (BTS) rate at 62.5% show that Cambuur plays lively, but it's not enough to ensure a positive result.

The performance of key players such as midfielder Rafik El Arguioui (scored 4 goals) and forward Ilyes Hamache (scored 3 goals) is at an average level, showing no long-term stability.

Cambuur is going through a crisis with a six-game losing streak, including heavy defeats such as 1-4 against Twente and 2-5 against Feyenoord, highlighting an inattentive defense and inability to withstand strong teams.

Cambuur's defense has conceded 25 goals in 10 matches (an average of 2.5 goals per game), with only 2 clean sheets, reflecting a serious defensive weakness.

The lineup lacks depth due to the absence of quality reserve players, causing Cambuur difficulties in rotating players and maintaining stamina during extended matches.

Alkmaar is maintaining a stable and impressive performance with a high win rate (70%) in their last 10 matches, including 7 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses, demonstrating their competitiveness for a high position in the Eredivisie table.

The attacking strength of Alkmaar is demonstrated through an impressive goal-scoring rate (2.2 goals per game), with two matches featuring four or more goals, evidenced by decisive victories against PSV Eindhoven (4-0) and Go Ahead (5-2).

Basic defensive ability is maintained with 4 clean sheets, along with a goal conceded rate of only 0.9 goals per game, demonstrating stability in defensive play

Star players such as Ro Zangelo Daal (11 shots on target, 4 goals) and Mexx Meerdink (9 shots on target, 3 goals) are performing brilliantly, playing a crucial role in both attack and controlling the game.

The 4-2-3-1 formation is operated consistently, with Peer Koopmeiners (42 successful duels) and Mateo Chávez (40 successful duels) assuming central roles, creating a link between defense and attack

Alkmaar is experiencing a period of success but still has weaknesses when facing strong teams, such as Feyenoord (lost 2-0) and Sunderland (lost 1-0), indicating a need to improve their ability to withstand top-tier opponents.

The yellow card rate (1.3 per game) in the last 10 games indicates a lack of discipline in play, however, there are no red cards, reflecting the maintained fighting spirit and physical strength.

The playing squad heavily relies on the main group of players (Daal, Meerdink, Chávez), which could pose a risk if they suffer injuries or suspensions.

The 4-2-3-1 tactical formation has remained stable in the last 7 matches, but the lack of flexibility in changing formations (only 1 match with 4-3-3) indicates a lack of strong adaptability when facing tight defensive opponents.

Alkmaar tends to suffer heavy defeats when facing strong teams, such as Feyenoord (2-0) and Sunderland (1-0), highlighting a lack of stability in their play and their defensive capabilities can be overcome when facing quality opponents.

A goal conceded rate of 0.9 goals per game, along with 2 losses in the last 10 games, reveals a weakness in defensive capabilities when facing pragmatic teams.

The reserve players lack quality and playing time, such as Calvin Stengs (3 matches, 1 goal) and Weslley Pinto Batista (5 matches, 1 goal), posing a risk if the main players are unable to play.

Despite having 3 clean sheets, Alkmaar still conceded 8 goals in 8 matches this season, reflecting a lack of defensive solidity when facing pragmatic teams.