Willem II vs Excelsior - Eredivisie

When Willem II and Excelsior clash at the home ground on September 5, 2026, the stakes extend well beyond a single result — this is a Eredivisie fixture that carries real weight for both clubs. Just as was the case in the previous meeting between the teams in April of last year, when Emery's side gave them such a scare in the Champions League tie at Villa Park, PSG were hanging on at the end.

In the Eredivisie table, Willem II currently occupy 17th and Excelsior sit 6th, and the context adds genuine weight to what is already an intriguing fixture. Results have been in short supply for the hosts, with LDLDL across their last five and a campaign win rate of 0% that makes for grim reading. On their travels the visitors have been workmanlike, LDWWL in their last five and a win rate of 50% to show for it. The contrast in attacking output — 1 versus 2.17 goals per game — adds an extra layer of intrigue. The Reds continue to retain an interest in the midfielder Manu Kone and left-back Lewis Hall, while one remaining high-profile departure this summer could come in the form of Marcus Rashford.

The tactical subplot is compelling: Willem II favour a possession-based game built on patience and control, while Excelsior are happiest sitting deep and exploding forward on the counter — a classic contrast of philosophies. A month before his death, he was also arrested in Arkansas on charges including possession of a controlled substance.

Individual quality could tip the balance. The league's leading scorer G. Zechiël, with 5 goals to his name this season, is a reminder of the firepower on display. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. But the turning point for Kerolin follows the departure of forward Salma Paralluelo, a player similar in profile to her.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. On balance, Excelsior may just have enough to take all three points. A 1-2 away win would not be a shock. The ramifications of this result could ripple through the Eredivisie standings for weeks to come, regardless of who comes out on top. It is likely City adopt a more proactive pressing system higher up the pitch in order to exert territorial control on opponents.