FC Twente
- FC Twente have hit a good rhythm in recent weeks and look likely to get the better of an inconsistent Excelsior Rotterdam in this weekend’s Eredivisie clash.
- John van den Brom’s side have won their last two in all competitions, beating Utrecht 2-1 in the cup last Thursday after a 2-0 away victory at Heracles a week prior.
- Van den Brom has a more structured, pragmatic approach that has seen Twente play in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation that uses width to support a target man and break down the deep blocks that opponents tend to sit into.
- The midfield engine room and wide playmakers are key to their success and they have enough of a flow at home to suggest they should overcome an Excelsior side that also have a very clear identity.
Excelsior Rotterdam
- Ruben den Uil has done a great job since coming in as manager in July 2024 to blend youth and experience into a team that is disciplined and organised at the back, while possessing the capability to disrupt opponents on the break.
- Excelsior play a narrow 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-1-2 that sits deep and hits on the counter attack with some good vertical runs and the odd piece of incisive set piece work.
- They’ve won one, drawn two and lost two of their last five games, so clearly form is mixed, but they’ll be right up for this.
- Noah Naujoks has the form of Excelsior’s attack with six goals in 15 league appearances, but he’s scored two of their last five and could be their main outlet on the day if Rotterdam can get some quick counter-attacking opportunities.
Head-to-Head
- FC Twente are on a five-match unbeaten run in all competitions (W3, D2).
- Excelsior won 1-0 at home in the last Eredivisie H2H meeting between the clubs four months ago.
Key Players
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Twente
- The midfield engine room and wide playmakers are key to their success and they have enough of a flow at home to suggest they should overcome an Excelsior side that also have a very clear identity.
- Van den Brom has a more structured, pragmatic approach that has seen Twente play in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation that uses width to support a target man and break down the deep blocks that opponents tend to sit into.
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Excelsior
- Noah Naujoks has the form of Excelsior’s attack with six goals in 15 league appearances, but he’s scored two of their last five and could be their main outlet on the day if Rotterdam can get some quick counter-attacking opportunities.
- Ruben den Uil has done a great job since coming in as manager in July 2024 to blend youth and experience into a team that is disciplined and organised at the back, while possessing the capability to disrupt opponents on the break.
Betting Insights
- Twente are sixth in the Eredivisie table with 29 points from 19 games and this match will be a good test of the contrasting styles of both managers.
- Den Uil’s men have won two, drawn one and lost five of their eight away league games so far, scoring nine goals.
- With Twente likely to dominate possession and Excelsior being forced to sit deep, Over 2.5 goals at 1.5 looks a viable alternative wager.
Prediction
We’re taking Twente to win as heavy favorites with the bookmakers because they have more form, are at home and, with the odds so heavily stacked against Excelsior at 7.3 and the draw at 4.85 , there isn’t much value to be had elsewhere.
