Verbeek vying for victory as cup returns

AZ Alkmaar boss Gertjan Verbeek believes winning the KNVB Beker represents the best chance for his side to qualify for Europe next season. Verbeek's side are currently languishing in 12th place in the Eredivisie table after a poor start which has seen them pick up just 18 points from their opening 17 fixtures. Tomorrow they travel to second-tier outfit Dordrecht, who are currently third in the table and Verbeek is hoping his side can book a place in the last eight of the competition. "We want to be fighting for a place in Europe this season," he told reporters. "This is from the league position, but this is now very difficult because we have lost a lot of points. "Performing well in the cup would take the pressure away. That's the pressure that we as a club have imposed on ourselves. The pressure of the players who want to perform and repeat what we did last season. And of course the pressure of sponsors, public and the press that help us remember our goals." Verbeek will have Donny Gorter after he recovered from a head injury but his replacement Giliano Wijnaldum is likely to start the match. Tuesday's other games see Den Bosch host Cambuur and Eredivisie leaders PSV travel to Rijnsburgse Boys, who play in the third tier. Wednesday sees NAC Breda against Heracles, while Go Ahead Eagles and PEC Zwolle face off. Vitesse play ADO '20, while the tie of the round sees Heerenveen host Feyenoord. Groningen are at home to Ajax on Thursday in the last match of the round. From : Fifa