NAC Breda vs Excelsior Prediction & Match Preview (Friday, 6 February)

NAC Breda vs Excelsior Prediction & Match Preview for Friday, 6 February. As we look ahead to this Eredivisie fixture, NAC Breda will host Excelsior at the Rat Verlegh Stadion. The match is set for Friday, 6 February, and promises to be an intriguing contest between two Dutch sides battling for crucial points in the league.

The Rat Verlegh Stadion will see NAC Breda aiming to make the most of their home advantage against Excelsior. Both teams are eager to climb the Eredivisie table, making this a significant fixture. Supporters and punters alike will be watching closely to see how these sides perform under the Friday night lights, with both desperate for victory.

NAC Breda vs Excelsior: Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Double Chance: Draw or Excelsior (X2)	1.66

Taking recent form and head-to-head history into account, our recommended betting tip for this match is Double Chance: Excelsior or Draw (X2). NAC Breda have failed to win any of their last five matches, while Excelsior come into this clash with a psychological boost from their previous win and a relatively healthier squad, making this a strong selection.

• NAC Breda have failed to win in 10 consecutive matches, underlining their poor form.
• Excelsior have a superior head-to-head record and won the reverse fixture 1-0.
• Excelsior have scored in 76% of their matches this season, demonstrating consistent attacking threat.

Betting Odds

NAC Breda are slight favourites at home with odds of 1.8, but Excelsior’s odds of 4.06 suggest there is potential for an upset. The draw is available at 3.72, indicating a closely contested match is expected.

Betting Tip	Odds
NAC Breda to win	1.8
Draw	3.72
Excelsior to win	4.06

For those interested in goal markets, over 2.5 goals could appeal given both teams’ attacking tendencies. Excelsior’s recent form suggests they may defy the odds and spring a surprise.

NAC Breda: Analysis & Recent Performance

NAC Breda’s recent Eredivisie form has been disappointing, with the team failing to win any of their last five matches. They have drawn three and lost two, highlighting their struggles to close out games. Their most recent result was a 2-2 draw against Twente, where, despite enjoying 63% possession and 20 shots, they failed to make their dominance count.

Home Side	Away Side	Outcome	League	Date
NAC Breda	Twente	2 – 2 (Draw)	Eredivisie	30 Jan 2026
PSV Eindhoven	NAC Breda	2 – 2 (Draw)	Eredivisie	24 Jan 2026
NAC Breda	NEC Nijmegen	3 – 4 (Defeat)	Eredivisie	17 Jan 2026
FC Groningen	NAC Breda	0 – 0 (Draw)	Eredivisie	10 Jan 2026
NAC Breda	Telstar	0 – 1 (Defeat)	Eredivisie	20 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
NAC Breda average 1.40 goals per game but concede 1.80, resulting in a -2 goal difference over their last five fixtures. Defensively, they have managed just one clean sheet in this period. At home, their struggles continue, with three defeats and two draws in their last five home matches, suggesting they have not capitalised on home advantage.

Strengths & Weaknesses:

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In attack, Sydney van Hooijdonk is their standout performer with five goals, accounting for 22% of the team’s total. However, their win ratio is a lowly 14% for the season, indicating a need for greater consistency and defensive improvement. Sitting 17th in the table with just 16 points, NAC Breda must tighten up at the back and take their chances to avoid relegation.

NAC Breda: Suspensions & Injuries

NAC Breda face a significant challenge with several key players missing through injury. The absence of Fredrik Jensen, who is doubtful, weakens their midfield options. His creativity and experience have been missed, and the team must find a way to maintain balance in the middle of the park.

Defensively, the injury to Boy Kemper is a blow. His influence at the back has been important, and without him, NAC Breda may need to adapt their defensive approach. The experienced Terence Kongolo is also sidelined, adding to their defensive woes.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Fredrik Jensen	Unknown	Doubtful

With these absences, NAC Breda may be forced into a more cautious setup to cover their defensive frailties. The tactical impact of these injuries could be decisive, potentially affecting the betting markets as NAC Breda may struggle to maintain their usual defensive shape.

NAC Breda: Key Players

Sydney van Hooijdonk is NAC Breda’s leading scorer, with 5 goals to his name this season. His sharp finishing and intelligent movement make him a constant threat in attack. Van Hooijdonk’s ability to find space and convert chances will be vital against Excelsior. His partnership with Charles-Andreas Brym, who is likely to support him up front, could be key to unlocking the visitors’ defence.

In midfield, Maxime Balard, Lewis Holtby, and Kamal Sowah will be crucial in dictating play. Holtby, with his experience and vision, acts as the creative hub, orchestrating attacks from deep. At the back, Denis Odoi and Leo Greiml provide stability, with Odoi’s leadership and Greiml’s tackling vital for a solid defensive foundation.

Expected lineup for NAC Breda:

• Goalkeeper: Daniel Bielica
• Defence: Cherrion Valerius, Denis Odoi, Leo Greiml, Rio Hillen, Boy Kemper
• Midfield: Maxime Balard, Lewis Holtby, Kamal Sowah
• Forward: Charles-Andreas Brym, Moussa Soumano

NAC Breda: Tactics & Formation

NAC Breda Tactical Overview:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Charles-Andreas Brym
• Midfield Pivot: Lewis Holtby and Kamal Sowah
• Defensive Record: Only one clean sheet in their last five games
• Notable Strategy: High possession and attacking from wide areas.

NAC Breda typically line up in a 4-3-3 formation, aiming to control possession and stretch the play using the width of the pitch. The midfield, anchored by Lewis Holtby and Kamal Sowah, is key to maintaining ball retention and dictating the tempo. This setup allows quick transitions from defence to attack, with Charles-Andreas Brym leading the line.

Defensively, NAC Breda have struggled, keeping just one clean sheet in their last five matches. The backline, likely led by Denis Odoi and Leo Greiml, must improve their organisation to avoid conceding.

In attack, NAC Breda rely on high possession and wide play. Maximilien Balard and Moussa Soumano are expected to provide width and deliver crosses, aiming to break down Excelsior’s defence with dynamic wing play.

Excelsior: Analysis & Recent Performance

Excelsior’s recent form has been inconsistent, with the team struggling to secure victories. Over their last five matches, Excelsior have drawn four and lost one, underlining their inability to turn draws into wins. Their most recent outing was a 2-2 draw with Ajax, showing resilience against a stronger side.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Excelsior	Ajax	2 – 2 (Draw)	Eredivisie	1 Feb 2026
Twente	Excelsior	0 – 0 (Draw)	Eredivisie	24 Jan 2026
AZ Alkmaar	Excelsior	1 – 1 (Draw)	Eredivisie	21 Jan 2026
Excelsior	Telstar	2 – 2 (Draw)	Eredivisie	17 Jan 2026
PSV Eindhoven	Excelsior	5 – 1 (Loss)	Eredivisie	10 Jan 2026

Recent Form:
Excelsior have averaged 1.20 goals per game in their last five fixtures, but have conceded 2.00 per match. Their defensive frailties have been costly, with only one clean sheet in this period. While they have scored in four of their last five games, their inability to keep opponents out has been a persistent problem.

Currently 13th in the Eredivisie with 23 points, Excelsior have endured a difficult campaign. Their away record reflects their overall struggles, with just two wins from ten away games, alongside five defeats and three draws. Their win ratio stands at 0.00 over the last five matches.

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Excelsior: Suspensions & Injuries

Excelsior head into the clash with NAC Breda boasting a fully fit squad, with no injuries or suspensions to report. This rare situation allows manager Ruben den Uil to select his strongest starting eleven without compromise, giving them a potential edge in terms of consistency and tactical options.

With all players available, Excelsior can stick to their preferred tactics, with key figures such as Stijn van Gassel in goal and Emil Hansson in midfield providing stability and creativity. This could be vital against a NAC Breda side likely to test their defensive resolve.

Having a full squad at his disposal, Ruben den Uil may opt for a more attacking approach, knowing he has depth and quality on the bench to make tactical changes as needed. The flexibility in substitutions could prove crucial as the match unfolds.

From a betting perspective, Excelsior’s full squad availability could slightly shift the odds in their favour, as they are able to field their best team. This could influence the outcome, making Excelsior an attractive proposition for punters seeking value in a closely matched contest.

Excelsior: Key Players

Excelsior’s attacking threat is led by top scorer Noah Naujoks, who has netted 6 goals so far this season. Operating from midfield, Naujoks is vital not only for his goals but also for his creative play, often unlocking opposition defences. His link-up with striker Jerolldino Bergraaf will be crucial to Excelsior’s attacking plans against NAC Breda.

Another key player is Emil Hansson, whose creativity in midfield complements Naujoks’ attacking instincts. Hansson’s vision and control can dictate the tempo and drive Excelsior forward. In defence, Casper Widell and Rick Meissen form a solid partnership, bringing aerial ability and tackling strength to the backline, which will be essential in keeping NAC Breda at bay.

Expected lineup for Excelsior:

• Goalkeeper: Stijn van Gassel
• Defenders: Ilias Bronkhorst, Lennard Hartjes, Casper Widell, Rick Meissen, Arthur Zagre
• Midfielders: Derensili Sanches Fernandes, Irakli Yegoian, Noah Naujoks, Emil Hansson
• Striker: Jerolldino Bergraaf

Excelsior: Tactics & Formation

Excelsior Tactical Overview:

• Formation: Likely 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Jerolldino Bergraaf
• Midfield Pivot: Lennard Hartjes and Emil Hansson
• Defensive Record: Conceded 10 goals in last five matches
• Notable Strategy: Midfield creativity and quick counterattacks.

Excelsior, under Ruben den Uil, typically employ a 4-2-3-1 formation, balancing defensive solidity with attacking intent. The midfield duo of Lennard Hartjes and Emil Hansson is crucial for both protecting the defence and launching attacks. This structure allows for organised possession and the ability to exploit spaces going forward.

In attack, Jerolldino Bergraaf leads the line, supported by dynamic midfielders such as Noah Naujoks and Derensili Sanches Fernandes. Excelsior’s approach is characterised by swift transitions and a focus on counterattacking, using the pace and creativity of their attacking players.

Defensively, Excelsior have been vulnerable, conceding an average of 2 goals per game in recent matches. The back four, including Ilias Bronkhorst and Rick Meissen, must improve their organisation to withstand pressure from NAC Breda.

NAC Breda vs Excelsior: Head-to-Head Record

In head-to-head meetings, NAC Breda have the advantage with 16 wins to Excelsior’s 10, along with 9 draws. The last Eredivisie encounter saw Excelsior edge a 1-0 win at home, but NAC Breda will be keen to reverse that result this time.

The most recent match at the Rat Verlegh Stadion ended in a 0-1 friendly defeat for NAC Breda, but their last Eredivisie Qualification home game against Excelsior resulted in a convincing 6-2 victory. Breda fans will be hoping for a repeat of that dominant display.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Excelsior	NAC Breda	1 – 0	Eredivisie	2025-11-29
NAC Breda	Excelsior	0 – 1	Club Friendlies	2025-07-12
NAC Breda	Excelsior	1 – 1	Club Friendlies	2024-07-20
Excelsior	NAC Breda	4 – 1	Eredivisie Playoffs	2024-06-02
NAC Breda	Excelsior	6 – 2	Eredivisie Playoffs	2024-05-28