PSV v AZ: Johan Cruijff Schaal Prediction

On Sunday 2 August, the new season kicks off on Dutch pitches with the battle for the Johan Cruijff Shield. We’re, of course, talking about the match between the league champions and the KNVB Cup winners. PSV were crowned champions in convincing fashion, whilst AZ Alkmaar made short work of NEC Nijmegen in the cup final. Which team will come out on top in pre-season? We’ll tell you more about this match and give you our PSV v AZ Alkmaar prediction.

Betting at Oranje Palace

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PSV v AZ Alkmaar preview

With the transfer window still in full swing, it remains to be seen how both teams will line up. Especially as a number of PSV players haven’t even returned yet following this summer’s 2026 World Cup. We’ll give you a brief update on both teams’ pre-season preparations.

Current Form & Team News

PSV

PSV have already secured their first trophy of the season. With Peter Bosz watching from the stands, PSV proved too strong for FC Eindhoven, winning 3-0 in the traditionally fiercely contested ‘Lichtstadderby’. And yet, PSV’s pre-season preparations are certainly nothing to write home about. The club has bid farewell to star player Ismael Saibari, whilst the futures of players such as Joey Veerman and Ivan Perisic remain uncertain. Both players are open to a transfer but are currently waiting for the right club to come along.

AZ Alkmaar

AZ Alkmaar’s pre-season preparations are going quite well so far. Although they lost to Anderlecht, they have secured convincing victories over KRC Genk and Olympiakos in recent weeks. The win against the Greeks in particular is a fine achievement, given that they were playing in the Champions League as recently as last year. All eyes will once again be on Mexx Meerdink. He scored twice against Olympiacos and will no doubt be expecting to start against PSV. Or will it be Troy Parrott who manages to grab the spotlight once more? After all, he found the net during the 4-0 victory over Belgian side KRC Genk.

Head-to-Head

It goes without saying that PSV are the favourites to win this match. Firstly, because they are a much bigger club and have been Dutch champions for the past three years. Furthermore, they have had little trouble against the North Holland side in recent seasons. Of the last seven matches, PSV have won six, whilst one match ended in a draw. Does this mean AZ Alkmaar are embarking on a hopeless mission?

Expected line-ups

PSV (4-2-3-1):

Kovar, Fernandes, Gasiorowski, Flamingo, Sildillia, Mauro Jr, Veerman, van Bommel, Mijnans, Man, Plea

AZ Alkmaar (4-4-2):

De Busser, Daal, Dijkstra, Goes, Kasius, Clasie, Koopmeiners, Smit, Schouten, Patati, Parrott

PSV v AZ Alkmaar betting tips

Betting tip 1: Over 3.5 goals

We’re looking forward to this match. Especially as neither side is at full strength yet, which is likely to leave some gaps in the defence. Indeed, four of the last six meetings between these sides have seen at least four goals scored. We’re expecting a repeat of that pattern and are backing over 3.5 goals. This gives you odds of 1.85 at Oranje Palace.

Betting tip 2: Troy Parrott to score a goal

We reckon AZ Alkmaar will score at least twice. So who should you pick on your betting slip? It’s bound to be Troy Parrott. The Irishman had a superb season last year for both club and country and is hoping to put in another strong performance this coming year. During pre-season, he scored five goals in five matches, which is why we’re backing Parrott to find the net again. This will earn you odds of 2.60 at Oranje Palace.

Prediction: PSV v AZ Alkmaar

Final score: PSV 3–2 AZ Alkmaar
We expect a very entertaining match that will go back and forth – something we often see in the Johan Cruijff Shield. We’re therefore backing a spectacular victory for PSV over AZ Alkmaar.