Excelsior vs Telstar Match Preview - Jan 17, 2026

As the Eredivisie heats up, two teams find themselves locked in a gripping tussle at the bottom of the standings: Excelsior and Telstar. With just four points separating them and the threat of relegation looming large, this encounter at Stadion Woudestein promises more than just three points; it's a fight for survival.

Predicted Lineups:

Excelsior: GK: Stijn van Gassel, DEF: Arthur Zagre, Ilias Bronkhorst, Rick Meissen, Casper Widell, MID: Irakli Yegoian, Gyan de Regt, Noah Naujoks, Derensili Sanches Fernandes, FWD: Jerolldino Bergraaf Telstar: GK: Ronald Koeman Jr., DEF: Danny Bakker, Guus Offerhaus, Neville Nwankwo, MID: Jeff Hardeveld, Tyrone Owusu, Jochem Ritmeester van de Kamp, Cedric Hatenboer, FWD: Patrick Brouwer

Both squads are stumbling through January like they're learning to walk again. Excelsior enters with a mix of desperation and misplaced optimism after that 5-1 thrashing at the hands of PSV Eindhoven. Sure, they scored a consolation goal thanks to Ilias Bronkhorst-a bright spot in an otherwise dismal outing-but conceding five tells you all you need to know about their defensive frailties. Conversely, Telstar is fresh off a 3-2 heartbreaker against Ajax that may have stung more than usual given their late surge toward an equalizer. In that match alone, they managed to create a few chances but also faced an avalanche of shots from Ajax; being outgunned (16 total shots vs. just 7) underscores their inability to control play.

The statistics paint a clearer picture than either side's recent form might suggest. For Excelsior fans looking for hope amidst turbulence: they can hold onto victories over PEC Zwolle and even Ajax earlier in the season-two instances where they played above their weight class. But here's the kicker: while their victories provided temporary solace, those wins came surrounded by substantial losses-including three defeats in their last five matches-with an average margin of two goals against.

For Telstar fans? Well, there's room for cautious optimism following their cup victory over Hoek (4-1) that showcased some attacking flair not often seen in league play. However, consistency has been as elusive as rain in the Sahara desert; thus far this season has been punctuated by four draws against other struggling clubs-proof that when push comes to shove in tight games against similarly ranked opponents like NEC Nijmegen or Heracles-they're just as likely to fold as they are to rally.

Looking ahead to Saturday's battle under pressure-the expected statistical showdowns become clearer. Expect possession struggles as both teams have shown inconsistent ball retention abilities-Telstar averaged just 39% possession against NAC Breda last time out while Excelsior was pinned back at 46% versus Groningen.

Now let's talk shot accuracy-a telling tale indeed. Excelsior averages only around three shots on target per game over their last five outings. Telstar may be no sharpshooters themselves but managed seven on target against Ajax-a formidable feat for such an underdog squad still hungry for points and pride.

Defensively? It gets murky fast for both teams. While Excelsior had more tackles attempted per game (average of 11) compared to Telstar's paltry numbers (around 9), it begs the question: can they execute? When you combine that with disciplinary issues-both squads showing tendencies toward yellow cards-the scene is set for a fiercely contested midfield battle that could ultimately dictate who walks away with any semblance of glory.

Each team boasts players capable of turning tides if given half a chance; look no further than Noah Naujoks of Excelsior-while he's produced only one goal this season across various competitions; his presence on field (and potential link-up play) could be crucial against Telstar's rearguard who've shown vulnerabilities already this campaign-and notching only two clean sheets so far would suggest trouble brews if presented with quick transitions or incisive movement.

And what about Telstar? Watch out for Patrick Brouwer who has begun putting together decent performances with two goals and two assists in recent games - we might be witnessing something simmering beneath if he finds space behind those lumbering defenders from Rotterdam.

Ultimately though it boils down to mindset heading into this clash: Will one side recognize that every point counts more than artistic flair when safety is on the line?

Based on everything we've dissected here today-from weaknesses exposed through the lens of goal differences brought by high-profile beatings down through discipline-flawed routines witnessed over months-it feels safe enough now placing my chips squarely behind Excelsior pulling off victory by perhaps one or two goals come final whistle echoes through empty seats post-matchday chaos later tonight! They're capable-and on home soil-they'll rise like phoenixes or so help them!

So grab your popcorn because it's shaping up nicely! Expect fierce tackles paired with unrelenting determination echoing throughout Stadion Woudestein while both teams scramble for footing among lower echelons before higher ground becomes too distant an ambition! Buckle up folks-the stakes couldn't be higher!