Ajax vs Excelsior - Eredivisie

Few would have predicted the narrative arc that brings Ajax and Excelsior together at the home ground on September 19, 2026, and the underdog storyline only adds to the Eredivisie occasion. Manchester United play in Gothenburg on Saturday as they take on Paris-Saint Germain in their fourth pre-season fixture.

A glance at the Eredivisie table tells the story: Ajax in 5th and Excelsior in 6th, with positions to defend and places to climb. Confidence is coursing through the home camp, with W in their last five and a season win rate of 60% underscoring their momentum. On their travels the visitors have been workmanlike, LDWWL in their last five and a win rate of 50% to show for it. Goals could be in short supply or plentiful — Ajax average 2.8 per game to Excelsior's 2.17, and that gap may dictate the rhythm of the contest. Skinner had another year to run on his contract but has decided to move on a month out from United beginning their Women’s Super League season at London City Lionesses on September 4.

The tactical battle could prove decisive. Ajax may lean on their home advantage to dictate the tempo, but Excelsior have shown they can be dangerous when allowed to play on their own terms. But this approach also takes something that is almost anonymous in football - time.

When S. Tengstedt is on the pitch — 5 goals to his name this term — moments of magic are never far away, and the Eredivisie's top scorer will be central to how this one unfolds. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. Watford sign former West Ham striker Michail Antonio after car crash incident.

Predictions are tricky when the sides are this evenly matched, and small margins — a moment of quality, a slice of luck — could decide it either way. Given the balance of the numbers, Ajax should have enough to edge it — a 3-2 victory looks the most likely outcome. The ramifications of this result could ripple through the Eredivisie standings for weeks to come, regardless of who comes out on top. Harry Kane is the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or.