Excelsior vs Telstar Prediction, Match Preview, Saturday, 17 January

Excelsior vs Telstar Prediction, Match Preview: This Saturday, 17 January, features an intriguing Eredivisie encounter as Excelsior host Telstar at the Van Donge & De Roo Stadion. Both sides are eager to make their mark in the league, with Excelsior hoping to make the most of their home advantage. The match is expected to be a competitive affair, as both teams vie for crucial points in the standings.

Excelsior will be keen to capitalise on their familiarity with the Van Donge & De Roo Stadion to secure victory over Telstar. Meanwhile, Telstar will aim to upset the hosts and climb the Eredivisie table. With both teams determined to prove their credentials, this fixture promises an exciting display of football for supporters and punters alike.

Excelsior vs Telstar Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Both Teams to Score (BTTS) – Yes	1.66

This meeting between Excelsior and Telstar is expected to be an open contest, with both teams likely to score. Based on recent performances and attacking tendencies, the recommended betting tip is BTTS (Both Teams To Score) at attractive odds.

• Excelsior have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five matches, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities.
• Telstar have shown attacking promise, consistently scoring in recent games, including contributions from key players such as Jeff Hardeveld and Patrick Brouwer.
• The previous head-to-head encounter ended in a 2-2 draw, reinforcing expectations of goals from both sides.

Betting Odds

Excelsior enter this Eredivisie clash as slight favourites with odds of 2.22, but Telstar, offered at 3.02, are certainly capable of causing an upset away from home. The draw, priced at 3.47, may also appeal to those expecting a closely contested match.

Betting Tip	Odds
Excelsior to win	2.22
Draw	3.47
Telstar to win	3.02

Given the inconsistent form of both teams, punters may find value in the over 2.5 goals market, anticipating an open game with plenty of action at the Van Donge & De Roo Stadion.

Excelsior Analysis & Recent Performance

Excelsior’s recent form has been somewhat inconsistent, with three wins and two defeats in their last five matches. Notably, they suffered a heavy 1-5 loss against PSV Eindhoven, underlining their defensive frailties. However, victories over PEC Zwolle (2-1) and Ajax (2-1) demonstrate their attacking potential when they are at their best.

Home Side	Away Side	Outcome	League	Date
PSV Eindhoven	Excelsior	5 – 1 (Defeat)	Eredivisie	10 Jan 2026
Excelsior	PEC Zwolle	2 – 1 (Victory)	Eredivisie	20 Dec 2025
Excelsior	FC Groningen	0 – 2 (Defeat)	Eredivisie	5 Dec 2025
Excelsior	NAC Breda	1 – 0 (Victory)	Eredivisie	29 Nov 2025
Ajax	Excelsior	1 – 2 (Victory)	Eredivisie	22 Nov 2025

Recent Form:

• LWLWW

Excelsior have averaged 1.20 goals per game in their last five outings, while conceding 1.80 on average, indicating a fragile backline with just one clean sheet in this period. Their home record is stronger, with a 60% win rate, suggesting a slight advantage at the Van Donge & De Roo Stadion. Excelsior currently sit 14th in the league on 19 points, reflecting their struggle for consistency this season. Noah Naujoks, with five goals, remains a pivotal attacking player.

Excelsior Suspensions & Injuries

Excelsior face a minor setback with Chris-Kévin Nadje listed as doubtful due to an unspecified injury. His potential absence could impact their attacking options, as Nadje often adds depth to the forward line. If unavailable, Jerolldino Bergraaf or Derensili Sanches Fernandes may be required to take on more prominent attacking roles.

With no suspensions, Excelsior can maintain their preferred defensive structure, which has been relatively stable. Coach Ruben den Uil will be able to rely on his usual defensive selections, which is vital against a Telstar side eager to exploit any lapses.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Chris-Kévin Nadje	Unknown	Doubtful

Should Nadje be ruled out, Excelsior may need to explore alternative tactical setups to maintain their offensive threat. This could mean greater reliance on midfielders such as Lennard Hartjes and Noah Naujoks to support attacking play. Betting markets may view Nadje’s uncertainty as a slight disadvantage for Excelsior, potentially shifting odds in Telstar’s favour if his absence is confirmed closer to kick-off.

Excelsior Key Players

Noah Naujoks, Excelsior’s top scorer with five goals this season, is a central figure in midfield. His ability to drive forward and contribute both goals and creativity makes him an invaluable asset. Naujoks’s vision and knack for scoring will be crucial against Telstar, particularly in breaking down their defensive lines.

In attack, Derensili Sanches Fernandes and Jerolldino Bergraaf are expected to lead the line. Fernandes’s agility and Bergraaf’s physicality make them a potent duo, capable of exploiting defensive weaknesses. At the back, Casper Widell’s presence is vital for maintaining defensive solidity, with his leadership and defensive skills providing much-needed stability.

Expected lineup for Excelsior

• Goalkeeper: Stijn van Gassel
• Defence: Ilias Bronkhorst, Rick Meissen, Casper Widell, Simon Janssen
• Midfield: Lennard Hartjes, Noah Naujoks, Irakli Yegoian
• Forward: Derensili Sanches Fernandes, Jerolldino Bergraaf, Gyan de Regt

Excelsior Tactics and Formation

Excelsior Tactical Breakdown:

• Recent Formation: No fixed formation provided
• Key Forward: Gyan de Regt
• Midfield Pivot: Lennard Hartjes and Noah Naujoks
• Defensive Concerns: Conceded nine goals in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Focus on maintaining possession and attacking down the flanks.

Excelsior’s tactical approach is fluid, often tailored to the opposition, but generally emphasises a strong midfield presence with Lennard Hartjes and Noah Naujoks. Offensively, Gyan de Regt plays a key role up front, supported by wingers Derensili Sanches Fernandes and Jerolldino Bergraaf, who stretch opposition defences.

Defensively, Excelsior have struggled, conceding nine goals in their last five matches. The backline, featuring Ilias Bronkhorst and Rick Meissen, will need to improve to increase their clean sheet tally.

In attack, Excelsior aim to retain possession and exploit width via their wingers. This is complemented by the creative play of Noah Naujoks, who, as the team’s top scorer, is crucial to their offensive output.

Telstar Analysis & Recent Performance

Telstar have shown mixed form in recent matches, with two wins, one draw, and two defeats in their last five games. They achieved a 3-1 victory over Almere City FC in the KNVB Cup and a narrow 1-0 league win against NAC Breda, demonstrating their ability to grind out results when required.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Almere City FC	Telstar	1 – 3 (Win)	KNVB Cup	14 Jan 2026
Telstar	Ajax	2 – 3 (Loss)	Eredivisie	11 Jan 2026
Marbella	Telstar	0 – 0 (Draw)	Club Friendlies	5 Jan 2026
NAC Breda	Telstar	0 – 1 (Win)	Eredivisie	20 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

• WLW

Telstar have averaged 1.50 goals per match over their last ten games, reflecting steady attacking output. Their defence has been slightly more robust, conceding 1.10 goals per game and keeping three clean sheets. Their away form is particularly impressive, with a 60% win rate in their last five away fixtures, including a three-match winning streak on the road. Despite sitting 15th in the league, Telstar’s away performances suggest tactical resilience that could trouble higher-ranked opponents.

Telstar Suspensions & Injuries

Telstar will be without Cedric Hatenboer, who is suspended following a red card. His absence may force a reshuffle in defence, potentially weakening their backline. Hatenboer’s physical presence and defensive abilities will be missed, especially against an Excelsior side known for their attacking intent.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Cedric Hatenboer	Red card	1	Unknown

With Hatenboer unavailable, coach Anthony Correia may turn to a less experienced defender, such as Danny Bakker, to fill the gap. Bakker, who featured in the last lineup, may step up, but the defensive dynamic will certainly be affected. Telstar’s reliance on defensive organisation will be tested, and they may need to adopt a more conservative approach to compensate.

No injuries have been reported, so apart from Hatenboer’s suspension, Telstar are expected to have a full squad available. This allows Correia to utilise his midfield and attacking options to compensate for the defensive absence. However, the defensive adjustments could have a significant impact on the match, and punters should be mindful of this when considering Telstar’s ability to maintain their defensive solidity.

Betting markets may react to Hatenboer’s suspension, potentially shifting odds in Excelsior’s favour. The defensive reshuffle could also lead to a more open game, which may appeal to those considering over/under goal markets.

Telstar Key Players

Telstar’s hopes in this fixture rest largely with Soufiane Hetli, the team’s top scorer with three goals this season. Hetli’s consistent finishing makes him a vital part of their attacking plans. His movement and clinical edge will be crucial against Excelsior’s defence. In midfield, Tyrese Noslin and Nils Rossen are expected to play significant roles. Noslin’s creativity and Rossen’s defensive solidity provide a balanced midfield capable of controlling the game’s tempo.

At the back, Neville Ogidi Nwankwo and Guus Offerhaus are key to maintaining Telstar’s defensive shape. Their ability to intercept and clear danger will be essential to counter Excelsior’s attacking threat. The influence of these players could well determine Telstar’s ability to transition from defence to attack and exploit any gaps left by Excelsior.

Expected lineup for Telstar:

• Goalkeeper: Ronald Koeman Jr.
• Defence: Neville Ogidi Nwankwo, Guus Offerhaus, Danny Bakker
• Midfield: Tyrese Noslin, Nils Rossen, Sebastiaan Hagedoorn, Jeff Hardeveld, Jochem Ritmeester van de Kamp, Patrick Brouwer
• Forward: Milan Zonneveld

Telstar Tactics and Formation

Telstar Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Flexible, likely to adapt to the opposition
• Key Forward: Milan Zonneveld
• Midfield Engine: Devon Koswal and Nils Rossen
• Defensive Structure: Led by Danny Bakker
• Notable Strategy: Focus on counter-attacks and high pressing.

Telstar’s recent performances indicate a flexible tactical approach, often adjusting to exploit opponents’ weaknesses. In their last outing, they demonstrated a dynamic setup, with Devon Koswal and Nils Rossen pivotal in controlling midfield and transitioning from defence to attack.

Defensively, Danny Bakker’s leadership is crucial for maintaining organisation, especially when employing a high pressing game. This approach has contributed to Telstar’s recent success, with three wins from their last five matches, though they have managed just one clean sheet.

In attack, Milan Zonneveld is a key figure, supported by Tyrese Noslin and Jochem Ritmeester van de Kamp, who provide width and creativity. Telstar’s strategy is built around quick counter-attacks and exploiting spaces left by opponents, making them dangerous in transitions.

Excelsior vs Telstar Head-to-Head Record

In their head-to-head record, Excelsior hold the advantage with 13 wins to Telstar’s 7, along with 9 draws. Their most recent meeting ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw at Telstar’s ground in the Eredivisie, highlighting how closely matched these teams can be.

The last time Excelsior hosted Telstar, they secured a narrow 3-2 victory in the Eerste Divisie in September 2024. This suggests Excelsior may have a slight edge at home, but Telstar’s ability to score away from home means another tight encounter could be on the cards.

Home Side	Away Side	Score	League	Date
Telstar	Excelsior	2 – 2	Eredivisie	2025-11-01
Telstar	Excelsior	1 – 3	Eerste Divisie	2025-02-21
Excelsior	Telstar	3 – 2	Eerste Divisie	2024-09-13
Excelsior	Telstar	1 – 4	Eerste Divisie	2022-04-08
Telstar	Excelsior	2 – 5	Eerste Divisie	2021-11-06