Excelsior vs Go Ahead Eagles Prediction, Match Preview, Sun Mar 01 2026

Excelsior will take on Go Ahead Eagles in an intriguing Eredivisie clash at the Van Donge & De Roo Stadion on Sunday, 1 March 2026. This match promises to be a significant encounter, with both teams eager to secure valuable points in the league standings. Playing at home, Excelsior will look to make the most of their familiarity with the Van Donge & De Roo Stadion to gain an edge over the visiting Go Ahead Eagles.

Both Excelsior and Go Ahead Eagles have shown flashes of quality in the Eredivisie this season, making this fixture one to watch. Excelsior will aim to capitalise on their home advantage, while Go Ahead Eagles are determined to upset the hosts and climb the table. As both sides prepare for battle, fans can expect a competitive and closely contested match.

Excelsior vs Go Ahead Eagles Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Go Ahead Eagles – Draw No Bet	1.9

Given the current form and the historical advantage of Go Ahead Eagles, our recommended betting tip is ‘Draw No Bet’ on Go Ahead Eagles. This market offers good value and reduces risk, especially considering the stronger head-to-head record of the away side.

• Go Ahead Eagles have won three of the last five head-to-head meetings, including a 2-0 win earlier this season.
• Excelsior’s defensive frailties at home make them vulnerable, having failed to keep a clean sheet in recent matches.
• Despite key absences, Go Ahead Eagles possess more consistent attacking threats in Mathis Suray and Victor Edvardsen, who have combined for 14 goals.

Betting Odds

Excelsior are priced as slight favourites in this Eredivisie clash, with odds of 2.41 reflecting their home advantage at the Van Donge & De Roo Stadion. Meanwhile, Go Ahead Eagles are not far behind at 2.76, suggesting a closely contested match.

Betting Tip	Odds
Excelsior to win	2.41
Draw	3.42
Go Ahead Eagles to win	2.76

The draw is also a tempting option at 3.42, especially given both teams’ recent form. Punters may find value in betting on both teams to score, considering their attacking tendencies.

Excelsior Analysis & Past Performance

Excelsior have endured a challenging spell recently, with just one win in their last five matches—a 2-0 victory over NAC Breda. This run also includes two defeats and two draws, highlighting their struggle for consistency.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Fortuna Sittard	Excelsior	2 – 1 (Loss)	Eredivisie	20 Feb 2026
Excelsior	AZ Alkmaar	1 – 2 (Loss)	Eredivisie	14 Feb 2026
NAC Breda	Excelsior	0 – 2 (Win)	Eredivisie	6 Feb 2026
Excelsior	Ajax	2 – 2 (Draw)	Eredivisie	1 Feb 2026
Twente	Excelsior	0 – 0 (Draw)	Eredivisie	24 Jan 2026

Recent Form:

• LLWDD

Over the past five matches, Excelsior have averaged 1.20 goals scored and 1.20 conceded per game. Their attacking efforts have been led by top scorer Noah Naujoks, who has netted 7 goals this season. Defensively, they have managed two clean sheets, resulting in a 40% clean sheet ratio. Despite these efforts, Excelsior have struggled to convert possession into victories, particularly at home, where their win ratio stands at just 20%.

Excelsior Suspensions & Injuries

Excelsior are facing a significant setback with the absence of Hamdi Akujobi due to a cruciate ligament injury. His doubtful return places considerable strain on the squad’s defensive capabilities. Akujobi’s role as a versatile midfielder has been crucial in linking defence and attack, and his absence could disrupt the team’s fluidity. The coaching staff may need to consider tactical adjustments, possibly reinforcing the midfield with a more defensive-minded approach to cover this gap.

With Akujobi sidelined, the responsibility may fall on Lewis Schouten to step up in central midfield. While Schouten has shown promise, he lacks the experience and defensive prowess that Akujobi brings. This could lead Excelsior to adopt a more conservative setup, potentially impacting their attacking dynamism as they seek to maintain balance and stability.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Hamdi Akujobi	Cruciate ligament injury	Doubtful

The tactical impact of Akujobi’s injury extends to betting considerations as well. Punters may view Excelsior’s weakened midfield as a potential vulnerability, influencing odds and expectations around their defensive solidity. This absence could tip the scales slightly in favour of Go Ahead Eagles, especially if they can exploit the space in midfield and put pressure on Excelsior’s backline.

Excelsior Key Players

Excelsior’s top scorer, Noah Naujoks, will be central to their attacking strategy against Go Ahead Eagles. With 7 goals to his name, Naujoks combines precision and agility, often finding space in crowded defences. His ability to link with fellow forwards Derensili Sanches Fernandes and Gyan de Regt will be vital in breaking down the opposition’s backline.

In midfield, Lewis Schouten’s influence cannot be overstated. As a central figure, Schouten orchestrates play with vision and passing accuracy, offering both defensive cover and attacking impetus. Alongside him, Lennard Hartjes brings energy and tenacity, helping Excelsior maintain control in midfield. At the back, the partnership of Casper Widell and Rick Meissen forms a reliable barrier, with Widell’s aerial strength and Meissen’s tactical awareness key to defensive resilience.

Expected lineup for Excelsior:

• Goalkeeper: Stijn van Gassel
• Defenders: Simon Janssen, Casper Widell, Rick Meissen, Arthur Zagre
• Midfielders: Irakli Yegoian, Lewis Schouten, Lennard Hartjes
• Forwards: Derensili Sanches Fernandes, Noah Naujoks, Gyan de Regt

The tactical impact of these key players will shape Excelsior’s approach, with a focus on fluid transitions and quick counter-attacks. The strengths of Naujoks in attack, Schouten’s midfield control, and defensive solidity from Widell and Meissen highlight a balanced team setup capable of influencing the outcome.

Excelsior Tactics and Formation

Excelsior Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Likely 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Noah Naujoks
• Midfield Pivot: Lewis Schouten and Lennard Hartjes
• Defensive Challenge: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High possession play with emphasis on wing attacks.

In recent matches, Excelsior have generally deployed a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on maintaining possession and utilising width in their attacks. With Lewis Schouten and Lennard Hartjes anchoring the midfield, they offer a blend of defensive cover and forward thrust, providing creative outlets for the forwards.

Offensively, Noah Naujoks is a crucial figure, leading the scoring charts with seven goals. His role is pivotal in unlocking defences, supported by wingers Derensili Sanches Fernandes and Gyan de Regt, who offer pace and width to stretch the opposition’s backline.

Defensively, Excelsior have struggled for consistency, conceding six goals in their last five matches. However, the presence of Rick Meissen and Simon Janssen in defence aims to provide stability. The team has managed two clean sheets in this period, indicating potential for defensive improvement.

Go Ahead Eagles Analysis & Past Performance

Go Ahead Eagles’ recent form has been inconsistent, with only one win in their last five matches (1W, 2D, 2L). Their most recent outing, a commanding 4-0 victory over Heracles, demonstrated their potential when at their best, but earlier defeats to Feyenoord and SC Heerenveen highlight ongoing challenges.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Go Ahead Eagles	Heracles	4 – 0 (Win)	Eredivisie	22 Feb 2026
Feyenoord	Go Ahead Eagles	1 – 0 (Loss)	Eredivisie	15 Feb 2026
Go Ahead Eagles	SC Heerenveen	1 – 3 (Loss)	Eredivisie	11 Feb 2026
Go Ahead Eagles	Telstar	1 – 1 (Draw)	Eredivisie	8 Feb 2026
Telstar	Go Ahead Eagles	2 – 1 (Loss)	KNVB Cup	5 Feb 2026

Recent Form:

• WLLDL

Offensively, Go Ahead Eagles have averaged 1.40 goals per game in their last five fixtures, scoring in four of those matches. Defensively, they’ve conceded an average of 1.20 goals per game, and with just one clean sheet, their defensive solidity remains questionable. Their away form is particularly concerning, with no wins and three losses in their last five away matches, underscoring a key area for improvement. Currently sitting 13th in the Eredivisie with 26 points, their mid-table position reflects the need for greater consistency if they are to climb the league.

Go Ahead Eagles Suspensions & Injuries

Go Ahead Eagles are contending with several key absences due to injuries and suspensions. Gerrit Nauber’s leg injury leaves the defence short of experience and leadership, potentially weakening their backline. In midfield, Robbin Weijenberg’s long-term absence with a cruciate ligament injury reduces depth, and Pim Saathof’s doubtful status due to illness further complicates selection for the coaching staff.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Thibo Baeten	Red card	1	Unknown

Thibo Baeten’s suspension following a red card adds to the team’s woes, as they will miss his attacking presence for one more match. His absence forces manager Melvin Boel to reconsider his attacking options, possibly giving Victor Edvardsen more responsibility up front. This could lead to a more conservative approach, focusing on solid defence and counter-attacks.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Gerrit Nauber	Leg injury	Doubtful
Robbin Weijenberg	Cruciate ligament injury	Late July 2026
Pim Saathof	Illness	Doubtful

With these unavailable players, Go Ahead Eagles may need to rely on less experienced squad members to fill key roles, impacting their tactical flexibility. These absences could influence betting markets, as reduced squad depth may affect their ability to compete effectively against Excelsior, especially considering their recent form without key players.

Go Ahead Eagles Key Players

Leading the Go Ahead Eagles attack is Mathis Suray, the team’s top scorer with nine goals this season. Suray’s ability to score from various positions makes him a constant threat to Excelsior’s defence. His agility and sharp instincts in the box are crucial for Go Ahead Eagles’ offensive play, and his partnership with Victor Edvardsen up front is pivotal for creating scoring chances.

In midfield, Melle Meulensteen stands out with his ability to dictate the tempo and distribute the ball efficiently. His vision and tactical awareness allow him to link defence and attack seamlessly, making him indispensable in controlling midfield battles. Defensively, Julius Dirksen’s presence is vital; his commanding aerial ability and robust tackling provide stability at the back, helping to minimise goals conceded.

Expected lineup for Go Ahead Eagles

• Goalkeeper: Jari De Busser
• Defenders: Alfons Sampsted, Julius Dirksen, Joris Kramer, Aske Adelgaard
• Midfielders: Jakob Breum Martinsen, Melle Meulensteen, Sören Tengstedt
• Forwards: Richonell Margaret, Victor Edvardsen, Mathis Suray

Go Ahead Eagles Tactics and Formation

Go Ahead Eagles Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Victor Edvardsen
• Midfield Creativity: Jakob Breum and Mathis Suray
• Defensive Stability: One clean sheet in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on possession and quick transitions.

Go Ahead Eagles typically set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, which enables them to maintain a solid structure both defensively and offensively. The midfield is anchored by players like Melle Meulensteen and Richonell Margaret, providing a balance between defence and attack. Mathis Suray, the team’s top scorer, and Jakob Breum are crucial in creating opportunities in the final third.

Defensively, the team has shown resilience, particularly with the partnership of Julius Dirksen and Joris Kramer at the back. However, they have managed only one clean sheet in their last five matches, indicating potential vulnerabilities against teams that press high.

Offensively, Go Ahead Eagles focus on maintaining possession and executing quick transitions. With Victor Edvardsen leading the line, supported by wingers Sören Tengstedt and Mathis Suray, they aim to exploit spaces and counter swiftly, a strategy that often proves effective in the latter stages of matches.

Excelsior vs Go Ahead Eagles H2H Record

In their head-to-head record, Go Ahead Eagles have the advantage with 16 wins compared to Excelsior’s 12, alongside 12 draws. The most recent meeting saw Go Ahead Eagles claim a 2-0 home victory in the Eredivisie, underlining their recent dominance.

The last time these sides met at the Van Donge & De Roo Stadion, it ended in a 1-1 draw in December 2023. Excelsior will be keen to make the most of their home advantage this time, especially considering their previous home win in April 2023.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Go Ahead Eagles	Excelsior	2 – 0	Eredivisie	2025-10-26
Go Ahead Eagles	Excelsior	3 – 0	Eredivisie	2024-03-30
Excelsior	Go Ahead Eagles	1 – 1	Eredivisie	2023-12-16
Excelsior	Go Ahead Eagles	2 – 1	Eredivisie	2023-04-14
Go Ahead Eagles	Excelsior	3 – 1	Eredivisie	2022-10-29