Excelsior vs Utrecht Prediction & Tips | Eredivisie | FootballTips.app

Excelsior welcome FC Utrecht to Stadion Woudestein looking to continue an excellent start that has taken them to fourth place with 10 points from five matches. Ruben den Uil’s side have lost only once so far, while Utrecht remain 15th with two points and are still searching for their first league victory.

Excelsior were denied a third consecutive win by a 2-2 draw away to NEC Nijmegen in midweek. They spent long periods without the ball but repeatedly threatened on the counter, creating four big chances despite only 31% possession before Noé Lebreton’s stoppage-time equaliser rescued a point for NEC.

That performance again highlighted Excelsior’s efficiency. They have scored 12 goals in five matches while conceding only five, with David Garden leading the side on three goals and Irakli Yegoian already supplying four assists. Their compact defence and quick attack have been among the clearest features of their strong opening month.

Utrecht also drew 3-3 last time out, completing an extraordinary comeback against Go Ahead Eagles in a fixture that had to be finished behind closed doors several days after crowd trouble caused the original match to be abandoned. Matisse Didden and Artem Stepanov scored during the resumption as Anthony Correia’s side recovered from 3-1 down.

The comeback showed character, but Utrecht’s defence remains alarming. They have conceded 18 goals in five league games, averaging 3.6 per match, and have not kept a clean sheet this season. Stepanov has provided a major attacking plus with four goals, while Yoann Cathline and Davy van den Berg have contributed creatively.

History strongly favours Utrecht, who have won 32 of the 50 Eredivisie meetings between the clubs, but current form points the other way. Excelsior are far more settled defensively and have shown they can thrive without dominating possession, which could prove decisive against a Utrecht side still struggling to control transition.