Excelsior vs NEC Nijmegen - Eredivisie

Season-defining implications hang over this Eredivisie clash at the home ground, where Excelsior host NEC Nijmegen on April 4, 2026 knowing the result could shape the run-in for both clubs. Football throws up these lovely surprises that you are not expecting from time to time." For now, Bloomfield can enjoy the rare privilege of being able to say yes to his family without checking the fixture list first.

The two sides arrive with plenty to prove, and the Eredivisie contest at the home ground offers a chance to lay down a marker. Excelsior have held their own of late, LDWWL in their last five reflecting a steady win rate of 50%. NEC Nijmegen have blown hot and cold, L across their last five and a season win rate of 33.33%. Goals could be in short supply or plentiful — Excelsior average 2.17 per game to NEC Nijmegen's 1.83, and that gap may dictate the rhythm of the contest. Despite his age, and recent injury record, Rodri remains the most complete central midfielder to have operated in the Premier League over the past five years.

Set-piece efficiency and transition play often decide fixtures of this nature, and both managers will have been drilling those phases on the training ground. His all-action approach did not just suit the demands of Luis Enrique, it appeared to have a transformative effect on those around him, setting new standards in the forward line.

Game-changers are scattered across both line-ups, and the contest may well be decided by which side's match-winners deliver on the day. The wide areas will be a key battleground, with full-backs and wingers on either side capable of swinging the contest one way or the other. Recruitment director Christopher Vivell is among those who have put the Roma midfielder forward as a potential option, while director of football Jason Wilcox has highlighted other targets, contributing to the slow progress of any deal.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. Expect a tight, competitive affair that could easily end all square at 2-2. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. 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.