Twente vs Excelsior Prediction, Match Preview, Saturday, 24 January

Twente vs Excelsior Prediction and Match Preview sets the stage for an intriguing Eredivisie clash at De Grolsch Veste on Saturday, 24 January. Both teams come into this match with different ambitions, and the outcome could significantly impact their league standings. Twente, playing at home, will look to capitalise on their familiar surroundings to secure crucial points. Meanwhile, Excelsior will aim to upset the hosts and climb the Eredivisie table.

This encounter at De Grolsch Veste promises to be a competitive affair as Twente seeks to maintain their strong home form. Excelsior, on the other hand, will be eager to prove their mettle against a formidable opponent. With both teams vying for different objectives in the Eredivisie, this match could be pivotal in shaping their respective seasons. Fans can expect a tactical battle as both sides look to outmanoeuvre each other on the pitch.

Twente vs Excelsior Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
FC Twente to Win	1.39

Twente are clear favourites for this match against Excelsior, thanks to their strong home record and superior league performance. The odds of 1.39 for a Twente win reflect their dominance, making it a solid betting choice.

• Twente have scored in seven consecutive matches, showcasing their consistent attacking prowess.
• Excelsior’s poor defensive record, with 34 goals conceded, makes them vulnerable against a potent Twente attack.
• Twente’s previous home victories against Excelsior, including a 10-1 thrashing, underline their superiority in this fixture.

Betting Odds

Twente are clear favourites in this Eredivisie clash, with betting odds reflecting their strong home advantage at De Grolsch Veste. Excelsior, on the other hand, are seen as outsiders, but their odds might tempt those looking for a high-risk, high-reward punt.

Betting Tip	Odds
Twente to win	1.33
Draw	5.18
Excelsior to win	7.98

The draw offers moderate returns, but given Twente’s form, many punters may lean towards a home win. Keep an eye on the over 2.5 goals market, as Twente’s attacking prowess could lead to a goal-fest.

Twente Analysis & Past Performance

Twente have demonstrated resilience and efficiency in their recent form, remaining unbeaten in their last five matches, with three wins and two draws. This impressive run includes a 2-0 victory away at Heracles and a commendable 2-1 win over FC Utrecht in the KNVB Cup.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Heracles	Twente	0 – 2 (Win)	Eredivisie	18 Jan 2026
FC Utrecht	Twente	1 – 2 (Win)	KNVB Cup	13 Jan 2026
Twente	PEC Zwolle	1 – 1 (Draw)	Eredivisie	10 Jan 2026
Feyenoord	Twente	1 – 1 (Draw)	Eredivisie	21 Dec 2025
Spakenburg	Twente	3 – 6 (Win)	KNVB Cup	18 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
Twente’s attack is notably effective, averaging 2.40 goals per match in their last five fixtures, while maintaining a decent defensive record with an average of 1.20 goals conceded per game. Despite conceding in four of these matches, Twente have managed to secure one clean sheet, highlighting areas where defensive solidity can be improved.

The team’s home performance has been solid, with a 60% win ratio from their last five home encounters, remaining unbeaten with three wins and two draws. This home advantage could play a crucial role in their upcoming matches. Currently sitting sixth in the Eredivisie with 29 points, Twente are well-positioned in the upper half of the table, showcasing their competitive edge this season. Ricky van Wolfswinkel remains a key figure, contributing significantly with seven goals this season.

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Twente Suspensions & Injuries

Twente face a challenging situation with key players unavailable due to injuries and suspensions. The suspension of Bart van Rooij, who is out for one match due to an accumulation of yellow cards, will force a reshuffle in the defensive line. His absence could weaken Twente’s defensive solidity, potentially prompting a more conservative approach from coach Joseph Oosting.

Player	Reason for Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Bart van Rooij	Yellow cards	1	Unknown

The injury to Mees Hilgers, who is suffering from a cruciate ligament injury, is a long-term concern, leaving a gap in Twente’s defence. Additionally, Taylor Booth’s muscle injury status is doubtful, which might restrict Twente’s midfield options. The absence of Booth could limit creativity and ball progression, necessitating adjustments in midfield roles.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Mees Hilgers	Cruciate ligament injury	Late May 2026
Taylor Booth	Muscle injury	Doubtful

Twente’s tactical adjustments might see players like Stav Lemkin or Mats Rots stepping up to fill defensive roles. In the midfield, Ramiz Zerrouki and Thomas van den Belt may have increased responsibilities to maintain the team’s attacking impetus despite these setbacks. These changes could influence the betting markets, as Twente’s depth and tactical flexibility are tested.

Twente Key Players

Ricky van Wolfswinkel stands out as Twente’s top scorer, having netted seven goals this season. His clinical finishing and intelligent positioning make him a constant threat in the penalty area. Playing as the focal point in Twente’s forward line, van Wolfswinkel’s ability to hold up play and bring teammates into the attack will be crucial against Excelsior. His partnership with wingers Daan Rots and Sondre Ørjasæter is expected to unlock the opposition’s defence, creating scoring opportunities.

In midfield, Ramiz Zerrouki and Thomas van den Belt are pivotal for Twente’s tactical setup. Zerrouki’s vision and passing range will be essential in transitioning from defence to attack, while van den Belt’s work rate and ball-winning skills provide the team with defensive solidity. Together, they form a balanced midfield that can control the pace of the game and support both defensive and offensive phases.

Expected lineup for Twente:

• Goalkeeper: Lars Unnerstall
• Defence: Max Bruns, Stav Lemkin, Robin Pröpper, Mats Rots
• Midfield: Ramiz Zerrouki, Thomas van den Belt, Kristian Hlynsson
• Forward: Daan Rots, Sondre Ørjasæter, Ricky van Wolfswinkel

Defensively, Robin Pröpper is a key figure, providing leadership and aerial dominance at the back. His partnership with Stav Lemkin in central defence will be tasked with maintaining a tight backline to thwart Excelsior’s attacking threats. Alongside them, Max Bruns and Mats Rots will be responsible for providing width and supporting both defensive duties and attacking overlaps. This defensive setup is crucial for Twente to maintain their structure and resilience throughout the match.

Twente Tactics and Formation

Twente Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Ricky van Wolfswinkel
• Midfield Pivot: Ramiz Zerrouki and Thomas van den Belt
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on possession and disciplined defensive structure.

Twente’s 4-2-3-1 formation allows them to maintain a balanced approach, emphasising control in midfield and disciplined defensive play. Ramiz Zerrouki and Thomas van den Belt are pivotal in midfield, offering a blend of defensive cover and creative distribution. This setup supports the attacking endeavours of Ricky van Wolfswinkel, who is crucial in leading the forward line.

Defensively, Twente have shown resilience, securing two clean sheets in their last five matches. The backline, featuring Bart van Rooij and Robin Pröpper, is organised and adept at limiting opposition chances. The absence of Mees Hilgers due to injury necessitates tactical adjustments, potentially impacting their defensive depth.

Offensively, Twente focus on maintaining possession and creating opportunities through controlled build-up play. Their strategy is effective in dictating the tempo and reducing defensive exposure, though the team must remain vigilant against quick counterattacks from opponents.

Excelsior Analysis & Past Performance

Excelsior’s recent form has been inconsistent, marked by a mixture of losses, draws, and a solitary win over their last five matches. Their most recent outing ended in a 1-1 draw against AZ Alkmaar, which highlights their ongoing struggle to secure victories consistently. Notably, Excelsior’s away form is concerning, with only one win in their last five away fixtures, demonstrating a win ratio of just 20%.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
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
Excelsior	PEC Zwolle	2 – 1 (Win)	Eredivisie	20 Dec, 2025
Excelsior	FC Groningen	0 – 2 (Loss)	Eredivisie	5 Dec, 2025

Recent Form:
The team have averaged 1.20 goals per match in their last five games, scoring in four of these fixtures. However, their defence has been porous, conceding an average of 2.20 goals per game, culminating in no clean sheets during this period. With a league position of 14th and only 21 points, Excelsior’s defensive frailty is a critical area needing improvement, as evidenced by the 11 goals conceded over the last five encounters.

Excelsior’s reliance on their top scorer, Noah Naujoks, who has netted six goals this season, is evident. Yet, their inability to maintain defensive solidity remains a significant weakness, highlighted by a streak of goals conceded in nine consecutive away matches. The tactical approach must address these defensive lapses to enhance their chances in upcoming fixtures.

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Excelsior Suspensions & Injuries

Excelsior approach their upcoming clash against Twente with a full squad, as they currently report no injuries or suspensions. This clean bill of health allows coach Marinus Dijkhuizen to deploy his strongest lineup without any enforced changes, potentially providing a tactical edge.

The availability of all first-team players means that Excelsior can maintain their preferred formation and playing style. This continuity is crucial as they face a formidable opponent in Twente, who are known for their robust home performances.

With no key players missing, Excelsior’s midfield, led by Lewis Schouten and Emil Hansson, can focus on controlling the tempo of the game. The defensive line, featuring Ilias Bronkhorst and Arthur Zagre, will be pivotal in neutralising Twente’s attacking threats.

This complete squad availability might influence betting markets slightly in Excelsior’s favour, as they are not handicapped by any absences. However, the challenge remains substantial given Twente’s strong record, particularly at home.

Excelsior Key Players

Excelsior’s attacking prospects will heavily rely on their top scorer, Noah Naujoks, who has netted six goals this season. Operating from midfield, Naujoks is not only pivotal in dictating the tempo but also in breaking forward to convert chances. His ability to find pockets of space and his keen eye for goal make him a constant threat to opposition defences. His partnership with Emil Hansson, who adds flair and creativity to the forward line, could be crucial in unlocking Twente’s defence.

In defence, Casper Widell and Rick Meissen form a robust pairing that will play a key role in stifling Twente’s attacking threats. Widell’s aerial strength and Meissen’s tackling prowess are essential for maintaining defensive solidity. The midfield also sees Irakli Yegoian and Lennard Hartjes, whose work rate and passing could control the game’s tempo, providing a link between defence and attack.

Expected lineup for Excelsior:

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

Excelsior Tactics and Formation

Excelsior Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Expected 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Noah Naujoks
• Midfield Dynamo: Lewis Schouten
• Defensive Concerns: No clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Reliance on counterattacks and set-piece opportunities.

Excelsior’s anticipated 4-2-3-1 formation provides a balanced approach, allowing for both offensive and defensive manoeuvres. With Noah Naujoks leading the attack, his role as the top scorer will be pivotal in converting chances. Lewis Schouten’s presence in midfield is crucial for controlling the tempo and linking play between defence and attack.

Defensively, Excelsior have struggled, failing to secure a clean sheet in their last five outings, which highlights a vulnerability at the back. The defensive line, likely featuring Ilias Bronkhorst and Arthur Zagre, will need to tighten up to resist Twente’s attacking threats.

Offensively, Excelsior rely heavily on quick counterattacks and making the most of set-piece situations. This approach, combined with their ability to score in four out of their last five matches, underscores their potential to trouble opponents despite defensive frailties.

Twente vs Excelsior Head-to-Head Record

Twente and Excelsior have faced off 23 times, with Twente leading the head-to-head record with 12 wins to Excelsior’s five, and six matches ending in a draw. Their last encounter saw Excelsior snatch a 1-0 victory at home in the Eredivisie, showing they can pull off an upset.

When Twente hosted Excelsior last, they secured a comfortable 4-2 win in December 2023. Playing at De Grolsch Veste has generally been favourable for Twente, as they have a strong home record against Excelsior in the Eredivisie.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Excelsior	FC Twente	1 – 0	Eredivisie	2025-08-30
Excelsior	FC Twente	0 – 3	Eredivisie	2024-02-10
FC Twente	Excelsior	4 – 2	Eredivisie	2023-12-08
Excelsior	FC Twente	0 – 0	Eredivisie	2023-04-01
FC Twente	Excelsior	4 – 0	Eredivisie	2022-08-31