Excelsior '31 vs AFC '34 - KNVB Beker

The history between Excelsior '31 and AFC '34 lends this KNVB Beker fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at the home ground on September 22, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. Real have been keen to sign the Spain captain from Manchester City, but they now face competition from Barcelona for the 30-year-old, who has a year remaining on his contract at the Etihad.

The two sides arrive with plenty to prove, and the KNVB Beker contest at the home ground offers a chance to lay down a marker. Excelsior '31's recent form is difficult to quantify, but the occasion itself should bring the best out of them. The visitors will back themselves to cause problems and will not make the trip expecting an easy afternoon. Tim Sherwood makes his predictions for the new Premier League season, including who he thinks will make the top four in the table.

The tactical subplot is compelling: Excelsior '31 favour a possession-based game built on patience and control, while AFC '34 are happiest sitting deep and exploding forward on the counter — a classic contrast of philosophies. They were slightly found out against Amorim's Milan in pre-season, with the press not quite sharp enough - the fourth goal, in particular, came from just one ball over a high-lined defence.

With Jesper Middelkamp leading the league's scoring charts at 1 goals, the contest is unlikely to be short of attacking intent. How each side deals with the other's danger men — and who takes their chances when they come — will be central to the outcome. The agency Roc Nation are reportedly working on getting Real Madrid striker Endrick a transfer to the Premier League this summer.

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. Expect a tight, competitive affair that could easily end all square at 1-1. With positions in the KNVB Beker table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Liverpool's midfield wasn't great last year but I expect Florian Wirtz to have a better season, 100 per cent.