Heracles vs Excelsior Prediction, Match Preview, Friday, March 20th

Heracles are set to face Excelsior in an intriguing Eredivisie clash at the Asito Stadion on Friday, March 20th. This match promises to be a significant encounter as both teams look to secure valuable points in the league. Heracles, playing on their home turf, will aim to leverage the familiar surroundings of the Asito Stadion to their advantage.

Excelsior, on the other hand, will be eager to challenge the hosts and improve their standing in the Eredivisie. With both teams striving for a strong finish this season, this match could have important implications for their respective campaigns. Fans can expect a competitive game as Heracles and Excelsior battle it out in the heart of the Netherlands.

Heracles vs Excelsior Prediction & Betting tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Heracles Almelo to Win	2.05

Our recommended betting tip for this match is to back Heracles Almelo to win. Despite their recent struggles, Heracles’ superior head-to-head record against Excelsior and their home advantage make them the more likely victors.

• Heracles have won three of their last five meetings with Excelsior, including a 2-1 away victory earlier this season.
• Excelsior have lost four of their last five matches, indicating poor form.
• Heracles’ motivation to move clear of the relegation zone, combined with their better home performance, tips the scales in their favour.

Betting Odds

In this Eredivisie clash, Heracles are slight favourites with odds of 2.49, but Excelsior aren’t far behind at 2.76. The draw is priced at 3.28, indicating a competitive match at the Asito Stadion.

Betting Tip	Odds
Heracles to win	2.49
Draw	3.28
Excelsior to win	2.76

For those looking to place a bet, consider the potential for both teams to score, given their recent attacking performances. The odds suggest a closely fought encounter, making the over 2.5 goals market an intriguing option.

Heracles Analysis & Past Performance

Heracles are currently enduring a challenging spell, with their recent form marked by a series of disappointing results. In their last five matches, they have failed to secure a win, registering one draw and four losses. Notably, their recent encounter against AZ Alkmaar ended in a heavy 4-0 defeat, highlighting their defensive vulnerabilities.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
AZ Alkmaar	Heracles	4 – 0 (Defeat)	Eredivisie	15 Mar 2026
Heracles	FC Utrecht	0 – 0 (Draw)	Eredivisie	6 Mar 2026
Heracles	PSV Eindhoven	1 – 3 (Defeat)	Eredivisie	28 Feb 2026
Go Ahead Eagles	Heracles	4 – 0 (Defeat)	Eredivisie	22 Feb 2026
Heracles	NAC Breda	0 – 1 (Defeat)	Eredivisie	14 Feb 2026

Recent Form:
Throughout these matches, Heracles have struggled offensively, managing an average of just 0.20 goals scored per game, while conceding an average of 2.40 goals. Their defence has been porous, with only one clean sheet in this period. The team has found it difficult to maintain possession and has been frequently outshot by opponents, as evidenced by their recent match against AZ Alkmaar, where they managed just 6 shots compared to 15 conceded.

Heracles’ home form provides a slightly better picture, with a win ratio of 20% in their last five home games. However, their overall season performance sees them rooted to the bottom of the league table, with just 18 points from 27 matches. Luka Đorđe Kulenović remains a key player, being the top scorer with 5 goals, but the team’s attacking output has been insufficient to compensate for defensive frailties.

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Heracles Suspensions & Injuries

Heracles face a challenging situation with several players doubtful or sidelined. Jeff Reine-Adélaïde’s knee injury remains a concern, as he is marked doubtful for the upcoming match. His absence could be a significant blow given his creative influence in midfield. Additionally, Fabian de Keijzer is also doubtful, which might force Heracles to rely on their backup options, potentially impacting their defensive organisation.

The return of Mike te Wierik, Luka Đorđe Kulenović, and Walid Ould-Chikh is expected in late March 2026, slightly easing the injury burden. However, their absence still leaves gaps in Heracles’ squad depth, particularly in defence and attack. The team will need to adjust tactically, possibly relying on a more conservative approach to cover these absences.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Jeff Reine-Adélaïde	knee injury	Doubtful
Fabian de Keijzer	unknown	Doubtful
Mike te Wierik	unknown	Late March 2026
Luka Đorđe Kulenović	unknown	Late March 2026
Walid Ould-Chikh	unknown	Late March 2026

With no suspensions affecting the squad, coach Ernest Faber may need to rotate the available players creatively to maintain competitiveness. The betting markets might see Heracles as less favourable due to these injuries, as their squad depth will be tested against Excelsior. This could influence bettors to lean towards a more cautious approach when considering Heracles’ potential performance.

Heracles Key Players

Heracles will be relying heavily on the creative prowess of Ajdin Hrustić in midfield. Hrustić is pivotal to orchestrating play, offering both defensive stability and attacking creativity, making him an indispensable asset in the centre of the park. His ability to link up with attackers Erik Ahlstrand and Naci Ünüvar could prove vital in breaking down Excelsior’s defence.

At the back, Damon Mirani stands out as a key figure. His defensive acumen and leadership at the heart of the defence will be crucial in maintaining a solid backline. Mirani’s partnership with Alec van Hoorenbeeck will be essential to thwarting any attacking threats from the opposition.

The dynamic play of forward Lequincio Zeefuik will also be crucial. Zeefuik’s pace and goal-scoring instinct make him a constant threat in the attacking third, and his performances could significantly influence Heracles’ offensive strategies.

Expected lineup for Heracles

• Goalkeeper: Remko Pasveer
• Defence: Jannes Wieckhoff, Damon Mirani, Alec van Hoorenbeeck, Ivan Mesik
• Midfield: Jan Žambůrek, Rhys Bozinovski, Ajdin Hrustić
• Forward: Erik Ahlstrand, Naci Ünüvar, Lequincio Zeefuik

Heracles Tactics and Formation

Heracles Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-5-1
• Key Forward: Lequincio Zeefuik
• Midfield Pivot: Rhys Bozinovski and Erik Ahlstrand
• Defensive Concerns: Conceded 12 goals in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Focus on midfield control and long balls.

Heracles typically adopt a 4-5-1 formation aimed at bolstering their midfield presence. This setup allows them to crowd the midfield with players like Rhys Bozinovski and Erik Ahlstrand, who are pivotal in maintaining possession and distributing the ball effectively. Naci Ünüvar and Ajdin Hrustić provide creativity from the flanks, supporting lone striker Lequincio Zeefuik.

Defensively, Heracles have struggled, having conceded 12 goals in their last five matches. The backline, consisting of Jannes Wieckhoff and Alec van Hoorenbeeck among others, has been under pressure, often leaving goalkeeper Remko Pasveer with little protection, resulting in a lack of clean sheets.

Offensively, Heracles rely on their ability to control the midfield and launch long balls towards Zeefuik, hoping to exploit defensive lapses. However, the absence of players like Jeff Reine-Adélaïde due to injury may necessitate adjustments in their tactical approach.

Excelsior Analysis & Past Performance

Excelsior’s recent form has been troubling, with the team enduring a five-game losing streak in the Eredivisie. Their most recent defeat came against Feyenoord, where they fell 2-1 despite managing 51% possession and taking 10 shots, of which only a few tested the opposition’s goalkeeper.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	League	Date
Feyenoord	Excelsior	2 – 1 (Defeat)	Eredivisie	15 Mar 2026
Excelsior	SC Heerenveen	1 – 2 (Defeat)	Eredivisie	7 Mar 2026
Excelsior	Go Ahead Eagles	0 – 1 (Defeat)	Eredivisie	1 Mar 2026
Fortuna Sittard	Excelsior	2 – 1 (Defeat)	Eredivisie	20 Feb 2026
Excelsior	AZ Alkmaar	1 – 2 (Defeat)	Eredivisie	14 Feb 2026

Recent Form:
In their last five outings, Excelsior have managed to score four goals, averaging just 0.80 goals per match, while conceding 1.80 goals per game. This highlights a significant defensive frailty, as they have failed to keep a single clean sheet in this period. Their attack, led by top scorer Noah Naujoks with eight goals this season, shows potential but lacks consistency.

Their away form mirrors their overall struggles, with just one win out of their last five away matches. Excelsior’s away win ratio stands at a low 20%, illustrating their difficulties on the road. With 26 points and a league position of 15th, they are precariously close to the relegation zone, underscoring the urgent need for an uplift in performance.

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Excelsior Suspensions & Injuries

Excelsior face a challenging situation with several key players unavailable due to injuries. Hamdi Akujobi’s cruciate ligament injury raises significant concerns, as his presence in midfield has often been pivotal. Calvin Raatsie, who is nursing a shoulder injury, is expected to return in late March, but his absence leaves a gap in the goalkeeping options. Miliano Jonathans is also sidelined with a knee injury, expected back in late April, which limits attacking depth.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Hamdi Akujobi	knee ligament injury	Doubtful
Calvin Raatsie	shoulder injury	Late March 2026
Miliano Jonathans	knee injury	Late April 2026

The unavailability of these players compels Excelsior to seek alternatives, potentially altering their tactical approach. Ruben den Uil may need to shuffle his lineup to compensate for these absences, perhaps integrating younger talents or less experienced players into the starting eleven.

These injuries could influence the betting odds, as Excelsior’s reduced squad depth and altered formation might impact their performance against Heracles. Excelsior’s ability to adapt and maintain competitive play without these key individuals will be crucial in determining the match outcome.

Excelsior Key Players

Excelsior will rely heavily on their top scorer, Noah Naujoks, who has impressively netted 8 goals this season. Operating from midfield, Naujoks not only contributes goals but also orchestrates play, making him a pivotal figure in Excelsior’s tactical setup. His ability to transition from defence to attack quickly will be crucial in breaking down Heracles’ defensive lines.

In the forward line, Derensili Sanches Fernandes and Jerolldino Bergraaf bring a dynamic edge. Fernandes, with his pace and dribbling skills, can stretch defences and create space for his teammates, while Bergraaf’s physical presence is a constant aerial threat. In defence, Casper Widell’s leadership and Lewis Schouten’s tackling abilities are vital in maintaining stability at the back.

Expected lineup for Excelsior:

• Goalkeeper: Stijn van Gassel
• Defence: Ilias Bronkhorst, Casper Widell, Lewis Schouten, Arthur Zagre
• Midfield: Noah Naujoks, Lennard Hartjes, Irakli Yegoian
• Forward: Derensili Sanches Fernandes, Jerolldino Bergraaf, Gyan de Regt

Excelsior Tactics and Formation

Excelsior Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Likely 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Derensili Sanches Fernandes
• Midfield Engine: Lewis Schouten
• Defensive Concerns: No clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on possession play and quick transitions.

Excelsior are expected to utilise a 4-3-3 formation under coach Ruben den Uil, aiming to maintain possession and create opportunities through the flanks. The potential absence of Jerolldino Bergraaf, due to injury, might see a reshuffle in the forward line, with Derensili Sanches Fernandes leading the attack alongside Gyan de Regt.

In midfield, Lewis Schouten plays a pivotal role in dictating play and supporting both defensive and offensive transitions. His partnership with Irakli Yegoian and Noah Naujoks is crucial for maintaining structure and fluidity in their gameplay.

Defensively, Excelsior face challenges, having failed to secure a clean sheet in the last five outings. The backline, including Ilias Bronkhorst and Casper Widell, must tighten up to prevent conceding early goals. Their strategy heavily relies on quick transitions from defence to attack, though this leaves them vulnerable to counterattacks.

Heracles vs Excelsior H2H Record

In the head-to-head record between Heracles and Excelsior, Heracles have a slight edge with 17 wins compared to Excelsior’s 15, along with 8 draws. Their last meeting in the Eredivisie saw Heracles clinch a 2-1 victory away at Excelsior. This result highlights Heracles’ ability to perform on the road against their rivals.

The last time Heracles hosted Excelsior in the Eredivisie, they secured a convincing 3-1 win. This suggests a strong home advantage for Heracles, especially in league play, where they’ve managed to keep Excelsior at bay.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Excelsior	Heracles	1 – 2	Eredivisie	2025-11-08
Heracles	Excelsior	1 – 2	Friendly Match	2025-07-25
Heracles	Excelsior	1 – 2	Friendly Match	2024-07-26
Excelsior	Heracles	4 – 0	Eredivisie	2024-05-12
Heracles	Excelsior	3 – 1	Eredivisie	2023-09-02