🏏 Sun, 10 May 2026 16:45 CEST
Excelsior
vs
FC Volendam
4-3-3 vs 4-2-3-1
Substitutes
Substitutes
Match Preview
- A direct relegation clash. Excelsior sit 14th (34 points) and FC Volendam 16th (28 points), with the safety line at 13th-placed Fortuna Sittard (36 points). NAC Breda in 17th (25 points) and Heracles in 18th (19 points) are in the automatic relegation places. Excelsior are six points clear of the bottom and just two points from safety, while Volendam are eight points adrift and on the brink.
- There is a big gap in recent form, with Excelsior on two wins, two draws and one defeat over their last five, against Volendam's one draw and four defeats. Volendam in particular have taken just one point from their last five and are in a serious slump. In the previous round, Excelsior won 3-2 away at Groningen, while Volendam were beaten 0-2 at home by Heerenveen.
- In the direct meeting in Matchday 6, Excelsior won 2-1 away, and they aim for a double over their opponents at home this time. Excelsior's home record is six wins, three draws and seven losses, and Volendam's away record is two wins, three draws and 10 losses, giving the hosts an advantage. Excelsior in particular can be explosive at home, having won 5-0 against Utrecht in the previous Matchday 31.
- Both teams line up in a 4-3-3, making this a tactically similar contest. Excelsior have scored 39 and conceded 53, while Volendam have scored 31 and conceded 52, with both struggling for attacking output. The battle for midfield control could well decide the result, with the key being which side can create more chances.
- In the relegation battle, the result of this match will greatly affect both teams' fates. A win for Excelsior would take them to 37 points, closer to safety, and stretch the gap over Volendam to nine points. A win for Volendam would take them to 31 points, level with 15th-placed Telstar (31 points), and cut the gap to Excelsior to three points.
- Amid the pressure of a late-season relegation battle, mental strength is also an important factor. Excelsior have momentum after two straight wins, while Volendam have lost their confidence on a four-game losing run. A desperate contest is expected between Excelsior, keen to make their home advantage count, and Volendam, who must stop the losing streak at all costs.