Willem II - Excelsior

Devin Haen spearheads the Willem II attack as the hosts look to stabilize their Eredivisie campaign on 5 September 2026. Following a difficult run that included a heavy defeat to NEC Nijmegen and a 2-2 draw with SC Heerenveen, the home side is searching for defensive cohesion in the absence of goalkeeper Thomas Didillon. With Karst de Leeuw expected to start between the posts, the team must find a way to tighten up at the back to support an attacking unit featuring Jaden Slory and Eser Gurbuz.

Excelsior arrives at Koning Willem II Stadion with momentum after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Sparta Rotterdam. Led by the midfield presence of Aymen Sliti and Irakli Yegoian, the visitors have shown they can produce clinical performances, evidenced by their four-goal haul against Cambuur earlier in August. While recent Eredivisie history between these two clubs has often been tight, Excelsior will aim to exploit the current defensive vulnerabilities of their hosts to maintain their positive start to the season.