NEC vs Excelsior prediction: expert analysis, possible lineups, September 8, 2026
Eredivisie Netherlands
In the 3rd round of the Dutch Eredivisie on September 8, 2026, NEC will face Excelsior. The hosts will be expected to do nothing less than win.
NEC vs Excelsior team news and expert analysis
The Nijmegen club were the biggest surprise of last season, finishing third in the Eredivisie standings. This even earned them a place in the Champions League, but in qualifying the Dutch side narrowly eliminated Olympiacos thanks to a goal in extra time before losing both legs against Bodø/Glimt. Their domestic campaign also began with a setback against Telstar, although they subsequently beat Willem II and Zwolle. However, they suffered a 1-3 home defeat to Feyenoord.
The Rotterdam side finished 13th in 2025/2026. They have made a strong start this time around, opening with a resounding 4-0 away victory over Cambuur. They then suffered a narrow defeat to champions PSV. The derby against Sparta brought another victory, 2-1, while they thrashed Willem II 3-0.
The surprise package of last season are currently scoring an average of 2.25 goals per match while conceding 1.75. Ruben den Uil's men, meanwhile, are averaging 2.5 goals scored and just 0.75 conceded per game.
Head to Head matches: NEC vs Excelsior
NEC's players have won all three of the most recent head-to-head encounters.
The visitors are not being given much of a chance, but they are in excellent form. We are backing them with a +1.5-goal handicap (odds – 1.61).
NEC vs Excelsior: key statistics and trends
- NEC have won just two of their eight matches in normal time
- 100% of NEC's matches have seen both teams score, with an average total of 4.0 goals per game
- Excelsior have won three of their last four matches
- 50% of Excelsior's matches have seen both teams score, with an average total of 3.25 goals per game
NEC vs Excelsior: Possible starting lineups
NEC play in a 1-3-4-2-1 formation (possible lineup): Kretzas - Fonville, Storm, Pereira - Lebreton, Naismith, Bischoff, More - Tadic, Cheri - Linssen
Excelsior play in a 1-4-3-3 formation (possible lineup): Van Gassel - Janssen, Plug, Widell, Meissen - Van Vianen, Hartjes, Egooian - Timash, Garden, Sliti
Place your bets on the upcoming match and follow your team's position in the Dutch Eredivisie standings
