Excelsior - FC Groningen

David Garden remains the focal point for Excelsior as they prepare to host FC Groningen at Stadion Woudestein on 11 October 2026 for matchday 8 of the Eredivisie. The forward is expected to lead the line in a side that has shown significant resilience in recent weeks, notably securing a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Ajax. While a narrow home defeat to FC Utrecht briefly stalled their progress, the team remains dangerous in transition, relying on the midfield creativity of Aymen Sliti and Lennard Hartjes to dictate the tempo of their play.

FC Groningen arrive looking to build on a convincing 3-0 victory over PEC Zwolle, a result that highlighted their attacking efficiency. With Wouter Prins sidelined through injury, the visitors will rely on the defensive stability of Marco Rente and Thijmen Blokzijl to stifle Excelsior. Both sides last met in May 2026, where Excelsior edged a 3-2 win in a high-scoring Eredivisie encounter.