Excelsior have started the campaign strongly with three wins and a draw from five matches, scoring in every game so far. Utrecht remain winless in five league outings and have conceded 18 goals in that span, making them highly vulnerable at the back. Backing Excelsior to avoid defeat covers both the expected home victory and the potential for a high-scoring draw, which Utrecht have already played out twice this season.
Recent form
Last 5 matches · 3W-1D-1L · +7 goal difference
Last 5 matches · 0W-2D-3L · -9 goal difference
Our verdict
StrongBetGenius backs Excelsior or Draw (Double Chance) at 75% confidence — a strong call. Total goals: Over 2.5 Goals.
Match preview
Excelsior welcome Utrecht to Rotterdam in fine early-season form, having collected 10 points from their opening five Eredivisie fixtures to sit fourth in the table. Their only defeat came against PSV Eindhoven, and they enter this contest having scored 12 goals across their first five outings, with creative outlets I. Yegoian and S. Janssen combining for seven assists.
In stark contrast, Utrecht arrive searching for their first league victory of the campaign. Sitting 15th with just two points from five matches, the visitors have struggled defensively, conceding 18 goals at an average of 3.6 per game. While their attack remains functional with Artem Stepanov netting four times, significant defensive instability and an extensive absentee list continue to undermine their performances.
Given Excelsior's attacking fluency, Utrecht's defensive vulnerabilities, and the hosts' commanding 5-0 victory in the most recent meeting between these sides earlier this year, Excelsior hold a clear positional and momentum advantage heading into this encounter.
Key factors
- Excelsior sit fourth in the standings with 10 points and 12 goals scored through five matches.
- Utrecht have failed to win any of their first five league games and have conceded 18 goals.
- Utrecht have conceded at least two goals in every match this season, averaging 3.6 goals against per game.
- Excelsior won the previous head-to-head meeting by a 5-0 scoreline in April 2026.
- Utrecht travel with several confirmed fitness concerns, including injuries to Engwanda, Jensen, Jonathans, Ohio, and Vesterlund.
Team news
Excelsior
- N. NaujoksInactive
Utrecht
- A. EngwandaHamstring Injury
- V. JensenKnee Injury
- M. JonathansKnee Injury
- N. OhioKnee Injury
- N. VesterlundInjury
- K. ParedesInactive
- J. van OvereemInactive
Statistical comparison
Excelsior at home vs Utrecht awayKey players this season
Excelsior
- I. Yegoian4A
- S. Janssen3A
Utrecht
- Artem Stepanov4G
League scoring and assist totals for this season — not a predicted lineup. Availability is only shown where team news names the same player.
Table context
Full table →| # | Team | P | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AZ AlkmaarPromotion - Champions League (League phase) | 5 | +11 | 15 |
| 2 | PSV EindhovenPromotion - Champions League (Qualification) | 5 | +12 | 13 |
| 3 | FeyenoordPromotion - Europa League (Qualification) | 5 | +6 | 11 |
| 4 | ExcelsiorPromotion - Eredivisie (Conference League - Play Offs) | 5 | +7 | 10 |
| 5 | TwentePromotion - Eredivisie (Conference League - Play Offs) | 5 | +5 | 10 |
| 6 | Fortuna SittardPromotion - Eredivisie (Conference League - Play Offs) | 5 | +2 | 10 |
| 7 | GO Ahead EaglesPromotion - Eredivisie (Conference League - Play Offs) | 5 | +2 | 8 |
| 12 | Heerenveen | 5 | -2 | 5 |
| 13 | PEC Zwolle | 5 | -4 | 4 |
| 14 | Telstar | 5 | -6 | 4 |
| 15 | Utrecht | 5 | -9 | 2 |
| 16 | Willem IIEredivisie (Relegation) | 4 | -9 | 1 |
| 17 | ADO Den HaagRelegation - Eerste Divisie | 5 | -8 | 1 |
| 18 | CambuurRelegation - Eerste Divisie | 5 | -12 | 1 |
Head-to-head
Full record →Utrecht have won 4 of the last 10 meetings, averaging 3.2 goals a game, both teams scored in 60% of them.
- 2026-04-26Excelsior 5-0 Utrecht
- 2025-08-24Utrecht 4-1 Excelsior
- 2024-01-27Excelsior 1-1 Utrecht
- 2023-11-12Utrecht 2-2 Excelsior
- 2023-01-25Utrecht 1-0 Excelsior
Our record in Eredivisie
Settled results only — every published pick is recorded win or lose. Full track record →
Based on at least 20 settled predictions.1 published market
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Published September 11, 2026. Form, team news and table context refresh automatically.