NEC Nijmegen 2-2 Excelsior: result and AI prediction

AI match recap

NEC return to De Goffert looking to translate their lively attacking form into a first home league win, but the timing is awkward after a demanding European sequence and the Feyenoord match. Excelsior arrive with excellent away results, a clean-sheet record on the road and a direct approach that targets the areas weakened by NEC’s absences. NEC retain the stronger recent head-to-head record and have enough craft in midfield to dictate territory. The decisive issue is whether their altered defensive unit can contain Excelsior’s counters and aerial pressure.

Head-to-head analysis

NEC have won four of the last six completed meetings and enter on a three-match winning sequence against Excelsior, all without conceding. The wider history has also been open, with several high-scoring encounters, so the recent clean sheets are the more relevant counterpoint.

Injuries and absences

NEC’s missing defenders reduce continuity at the back and make protection from Nejašmić and Lebreton essential, especially against direct balls into wide areas. Sandler’s unclear status is pivotal: his inclusion would materially improve the hosts’ aerial and positional security.

Form (last 5)

NEC Nijmegen vs Excelsior stats

Last meetings

• 2026-04-04Excelsior 0-2 NEC Nijmegen
• 2025-08-09NEC Nijmegen 5-0 Excelsior
• 2024-05-06Excelsior 0-3 NEC Nijmegen
• 2023-08-13NEC Nijmegen 3-4 Excelsior
• 2023-02-19Excelsior 0-3 NEC Nijmegen
• 2022-10-08NEC Nijmegen 1-1 Excelsior

Unavailable players

Other Eredivisie matches

• Ajax – PSV Eindhoven
• Willem II – Excelsior
• Groningen – Twente
• Heerenveen – AZ Alkmaar
• Telstar – Cambuur
• ADO Den Haag – Fortuna Sittard
• Utrecht – GO Ahead Eagles
• Twente – Telstar