Heracles vs Excelsior Prediction - Eredivisie: A "Relegation Final" at Asito Stadium
Heracles face Excelsior with both teams having lost their last five matches. This is a crucial opportunity for Heracles to close the gap in the relegation battle.
The match between Heracles and Excelsior at 02:00 on March 21, 2026, is considered a crucial turning point in the relegation battle in the Dutch Eredivisie. With both teams in a precarious situation and suffering from a terrible run of form, the 90 minutes at Asito Stadium will directly determine their hopes of staying in the top Dutch league.
Current context and form
Heracles are having a disastrous season, sitting at the bottom of the league table (18th place) with only 18 points after 27 rounds. Even more worrying, the home team is on a five-match losing streak. The weakness of their defense is the main reason for this result, as they have conceded 69 goals, an average of 2.6 goals per game.
On the other side of the pitch, Excelsior isn't doing much better. The away team is ranked 15th with 26 points and has also just suffered 5 consecutive defeats. However, compared to Heracles, Excelsior still has more reason to be confident thanks to a better goal difference and a safe 8-point lead over the relegation zone.
| Team | Location | Point | form |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excelsior | 15 | 26 | Lost 5 consecutive matches |
| Heracles | 18 | 18 | Lost 5 consecutive matches |
Head-to-head history and key statistics
The head-to-head history in the last 5 matches favors Excelsior with 3 wins, while Heracles has secured 2 victories. It's worth noting that Heracles' home form this season hasn't been very impressive, with only 4 wins in 27 home games.
- Heracles:They scored 32 goals (1.2 goals per game) but conceded 69 goals.
- Excelsior:They scored 28 goals (1.0 goal/match) and conceded 46 goals.
Although Heracles won 2-1 in the first leg back in November 2025, the situation has changed considerably, with the team's morale at its lowest point.
Severe manpower crisis
The home team, Heracles, enters this match with a long list of injured players. Several key players such as L. Kulenovic, W. Ould Chikh, and J. Reine-Adelaide (knee injuries) will be absent. In addition, L. Zeefuik is also unavailable due to accumulating too many yellow cards. The shortage of personnel across all three lines makes it very difficult for the Heracles coach to assemble an optimal lineup.
Excelsior also suffered some setbacks with injuries to M. Jonathans (knee) and C. Raatsie (shoulder), while the availability of J. Bergraaf and C. Nadje remains uncertain. However, compared to the home team, Excelsior's squad still maintains the necessary stability.
Tactical analysis and predictions
Given the crucial nature of a relegation battle, both teams are likely to approach the game cautiously. However, Heracles' weak defense could become a major weakness for Excelsior to exploit. Experts predict a low-scoring match (under 2.5 goals) due to the inconsistent form of both teams' attacking players.
Based on the balance of power and psychological pressure, Excelsior is considered the more likely candidate to earn points. A draw or a minimal victory for the away team is the most probable scenario at Asito Stadium.
Forecast:Double chance - Draw or Excelsior wins.
Team lineup updated at 01:30 on March 21, 2026
Official lineup
Heracles
Diagram: 4-2-3-1
CoachErnest Faber
Starting lineup:
- 22. Remko Pasveer (G)
- 3. Jannes Wieckhoff (D)
- 4. Damon Mirani (D)
- 18. Alec Van Hoorenbeeck (D)
- 24. Ivan Mesík (D)
- 32. Sem Scheperman (M)
- 20. Rhys Bozinovski (M)
- 14. Erik Ahlstrand (M)
- 70. Ajdin Hrustić (M)
- 9. Naci Ünüvar (M)
- 25. Lequincio Zeefuik (F)
Substitutes:
- 16. Timo Jansink
- 30. Robin Mantel
- 2. Mimeirhel Benita
- 5. Djevencio van der Kust
- 6. Sava Arangel Čestić
- 7. Bryan Limbombe
- 73. Walid Ould-Chikh
- 17. Tristan van Gilst
- 8. Mario Engels
- 13. Jan Žambůrek
- 10. Thomas Bruns
- 41. Tarik Hamamioglu
Excelsior
Diagram: 4-1-4-1
CoachRuben den Uil
Starting lineup:
- 1. Stijn van Gassel (G)
- 2. Ilias Bronkhorst (D)
- 4. Casper Widell (D)
- 14. Lewis Schouten (D)
- 12. Arthur Zagre (D)
- 20. Lennard Hartjes (M)
- 30. Derensili Sanches Fernandes (M)
- 10. Noah Naujoks (M)
- 23. Irakli Yegoian (M)
- 11. Gyan de Regt (M)
- 33. Jerolldino Bergraaf (F)
Substitutes:
- 40. Tijmen Holla
- 5. Stan Henderikx
- 15. Simon Janssen
- 24. Giuliano Cairo
- 3. Rick Meissen
- 7. Emil Hansson
- 8. Mathijs Tielemans
- 6. Adam Carlén
- 9. Szymon Włodarczyk
- 29. Mike van Dunen
