Ajax vs Excelsior Football Match Stats & Results Saturday, 22 November, 2025 11:45

📋 Preview: Ajax vs Excelsior | Eredivisie 2025-2026, Matchweek 1

📖 Introduction

In this opening match of the Eredivisie 2025-2026 season, Ajax (4th, 20 pts) hosts Excelsior (16th, 10 pts) at the Johan Cruyff Arena. Both teams are looking to build momentum, with Ajax aiming to climb higher in the standings while Excelsior seeks to escape the relegation zone. The stakes are high as both sides desire a positive start to their campaigns.

🏠 Ajax Analysis

Ajax enters this fixture with a mixed bag of recent results, recording one win, two draws, and two losses in their last five matches. At home, they have been more formidable, boasting a record of three wins, one draw, and just one loss, with an average of 1.6 goals scored while conceding slightly less than that. Their expected goals (xG) of 1.72 at home indicates they are generating quality chances, despite their last outing ending in disappointment with a 2-1 defeat against Utrecht. Looking ahead, they will face Benfica shortly after this match, adding another layer of importance to their performance against Excelsior.

✈️ Excelsior Analysis

Excelsior has struggled in recent matches, managing only one win and one draw in their last five outings. Their away form has been particularly concerning, as they have found the net an average of just 1.2 times per game while conceding a troubling 2.2 goals. The team’s xG of 1.32 suggests they are creating slightly better chances than their goal output reflects, hinting at potential for improvement. After their recent 2-1 loss against Heracles, they will need to rally significantly to turn their fortunes around before facing NAC Breda in their next match.

🔄 Head-to-Head

Historically, Ajax and Excelsior have shared a competitive rivalry, with their last meeting ending in a thrilling 2-2 draw. Over the last matchups, Ajax has yet to secure a win against Excelsior, holding a record of one draw across their last encounters. Notably, their head-to-head matchups have been high-scoring, averaging four goals per game, which adds intrigue to this upcoming contest.

🔑 Key Factors

The match will hinge significantly on Ajax's ability to convert their attacking opportunities, especially with key players like M. Godts and Y. Baas available to contribute offensively. Meanwhile, Excelsior must tighten their defense, as their away form has shown vulnerabilities—especially against stronger opponents. With Ajax's expected goals indicating they are capable of scoring, Excelsior will need their goalkeeper, S. van Gassel, to deliver a standout performance to keep them competitive. Additionally, the pressure is on Ajax to secure three points to maintain their pursuit of European competition spots, while Excelsior seeks to defy expectations and secure a vital away point.

🎯 AI Prediction

Outcome 63.1% Ajax wins – I predict Ajax 3 – 1 Excelsior. Ajax's strong home form and superior attacking metrics suggest they will overpower Excelsior, who has shown defensive frailties in away matches. The expected goals data further supports the likelihood of a high-scoring game in favor of the home team.

💡 Betting Tips

Consider betting on Asian Handicap @ 1.95 (67.9%) for Ajax to win by at least two goals. Given Ajax's attacking prowess and Excelsior's struggles on the road, this market appears to offer significant value. Bet responsibly.

📋 Preview: Ajax vs Excelsior | Eredivisie 2025-2026, Matchweek 1

📖 Introduction

In this opening match of the Eredivisie 2025-2026 season, Ajax (4th, 20 pts) hosts Excelsior (16th, 10 pts) at the Johan Cruyff Arena. Both teams are looking to build momentum, with Ajax aiming to climb higher in the standings while Excelsior seeks to escape the relegation zone. The stakes are high as both sides desire a positive start to their campaigns.

🏠 Ajax Analysis

Ajax enters this fixture with a mixed bag of recent results, recording one win, two draws, and two losses in their last five matches. At home, they have been more formidable, boasting a record of three wins, one draw, and just one loss, with an average of 1.6 goals scored while conceding slightly less than that. Their expected goals (xG) of 1.72 at home indicates they are generating quality chances, despite their last outing ending in disappointment with a 2-1 defeat against Utrecht. Looking ahead, they will face Benfica shortly after this match, adding another layer of importance to their performance against Excelsior.

✈️ Excelsior Analysis

Excelsior has struggled in recent matches, managing only one win and one draw in their last five outings. Their away form has been particularly concerning, as they have found the net an average of just 1.2 times per game while conceding a troubling 2.2 goals. The team’s xG of 1.32 suggests they are creating slightly better chances than their goal output reflects, hinting at potential for improvement. After their recent 2-1 loss against Heracles, they will need to rally significantly to turn their fortunes around before facing NAC Breda in their next match.

🔄 Head-to-Head

Historically, Ajax and Excelsior have shared a competitive rivalry, with their last meeting ending in a thrilling 2-2 draw. Over the last matchups, Ajax has yet to secure a win against Excelsior, holding a record of one draw across their last encounters. Notably, their head-to-head matchups have been high-scoring, averaging four goals per game, which adds intrigue to this upcoming contest.

🔑 Key Factors

The match will hinge significantly on Ajax's ability to convert their attacking opportunities, especially with key players like M. Godts and Y. Baas available to contribute offensively. Meanwhile, Excelsior must tighten their defense, as their away form has shown vulnerabilities—especially against stronger opponents. With Ajax's expected goals indicating they are capable of scoring, Excelsior will need their goalkeeper, S. van Gassel, to deliver a standout performance to keep them competitive. Additionally, the pressure is on Ajax to secure three points to maintain their pursuit of European competition spots, while Excelsior seeks to defy expectations and secure a vital away point.

🎯 AI Prediction

Outcome 63.1% Ajax wins – I predict Ajax 3 – 1 Excelsior. Ajax's strong home form and superior attacking metrics suggest they will overpower Excelsior, who has shown defensive frailties in away matches. The expected goals data further supports the likelihood of a high-scoring game in favor of the home team.

💡 Betting Tips

Consider betting on Asian Handicap @ 1.95 (67.9%) for Ajax to win by at least two goals. Given Ajax's attacking prowess and Excelsior's struggles on the road, this market appears to offer significant value. Bet responsibly.