Hoogeveen vs Excelsior '31 - Derde Divisie

A fascinating Derde Divisie chapter awaits on September 19, 2026 when Hoogeveen take on Excelsior '31 at the home ground — two sides with plenty to play for and everything to prove. Manchester City face the K-League All-Stars in Seoul as part of their pre-season tour of Asia.

A glance at the Derde Divisie table tells the story: Hoogeveen in 9th and Excelsior '31 in 5th, with positions to defend and places to climb. Hoogeveen have held their own of late, W in their last five reflecting a steady win rate of 40%. The visitors arrive in confident mood, their recent run of D backed by a season win rate of 60%. One side has leaned on a miserly defence, the other on a free-scoring attack, and the meeting of those contrasting strengths promises an intriguing tactical subtext. During his 22 matches in charge, Oxford actually ranked as high as 14th in the table.

Tactically, the contest promises a fascinating contrast. Hoogeveen will look to impose their style on home soil, while Excelsior '31 are likely to have ideas of their own about how to gain the upper hand. 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.

Star players on both sides will be eager to make their mark, and the individual duels across the pitch could go a long way to deciding the outcome. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. United's talented defender Godwill Kukonki is back in training and is not set to leave the club on a permanent transfer in the summer window.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. The numbers tilt towards Excelsior '31, and a 2-3 away win looks the more probable outcome. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. Manchester City will begin another Premier League season with major uncertainty hanging over the club after league chief executive Richard Masters admitted the long-awaited verdict on their financial case has taken longer than expected.