Excelsior - Sparta Rotterdam

Local pride and Eredivisie points are on the line as Excelsior host Sparta Rotterdam on 29 August 2026 for this matchday 4 encounter. Excelsior enter the fixture looking to bounce back from a narrow defeat to PSV Eindhoven, though their clinical four-goal victory against Cambuur earlier in August suggests they have the attacking firepower to trouble any defence. Stijn van Gassel is expected to anchor the backline, with David Garden and Ilano Silva Timas leading the charge for the hosts.

Sparta Rotterdam arrive at Stadion Woudestein following a high-scoring draw with FC Utrecht, a result that highlighted both their resilience and defensive vulnerabilities. With Filip Bednarek likely to start in goal, the visitors will look to replicate the success they found in their 3-1 win over Telstar. The history between these sides remains tight, evidenced by Excelsior’s hard-fought 3-2 victory in their most recent meeting on 17 May 2026.