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Prediction published on Sep 17, 2026 6:08 PM by Dario in Netherlands - Eredivisie | Modified on Sep 17, 2026 6:08 PM
Ajax welcome Excelsior to the Johan Cruijff Arena on September 19, 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00 local time. This Eredivisie fixture will be Ajax’s third league match in seven days, but the home side approach it in strong form after winning four of their last five games. Excelsior have made a competitive start of their own, recording three victories, one draw and two defeats across their six league matches. Ajax are fourth in the Eredivisie rankings, while the visitors are sixth. Both teams have produced encouraging attacking numbers, creating the conditions for an open contest in Amsterdam. Ajax have scored consistently at domestic and European level, while Excelsior have also demonstrated that they can threaten opponents away from home. With each side averaging more than two goals scored per league match this season, the Ajax vs Excelsior preview points toward a fixture in which attacking efficiency could play a decisive role.
Ajax enter the match after a convincing 5-1 victory over Willem II on September 15. Their record across the last five matches stands at four wins and one defeat, with an impressive average of 4.0 goals scored per game. They have conceded 1.6 goals per match during that sequence, showing that their expansive performances have not always been accompanied by complete defensive control.
In the Eredivisie, Ajax have collected four victories, one draw and one loss. Their season averages underline their attacking strength: 3.2 goals scored and 1.2 conceded per fixture. The home team have found the net at least once in each of their last 12 matches, while every one of those games has produced more than 1.5 total goals. More significantly, the last eight Ajax fixtures have all gone over 3.5 total goals. That trend is equally notable at the Johan Cruijff Arena, where each of their previous six home matches has contained at least four goals.
Their first-half record also provides Ajax with a strong platform. They have avoided being behind at half-time in 28 of their last 29 Eredivisie matches and in 30 of their previous 32 games across all competitions. Ajax have led at the interval in seven of the last ten matches, as well as in ten of their previous 15 home league fixtures. Those figures suggest that the hosts are regularly able to establish control before the break rather than relying exclusively on late pressure.
The attacking output described in the match information extends beyond domestic competition, with Ajax having recorded two high-scoring wins against Sion. Julian Brandt and Davy Klaassen are also identified as players who have found the net several times this season. However, the earlier 3-1 defeat against PSV Eindhoven offers a reminder that Ajax must remain alert defensively when committing numbers to their attacking play.
Excelsior travel to Amsterdam after losing 2-1 against FC Utrecht on September 13. Their last five matches have brought two wins, one draw and two defeats, with averages of 1.8 goals scored and 1.4 conceded. The visitors have therefore remained productive in front of goal despite showing some inconsistency in their results.
Across the Eredivisie season, Excelsior have three wins, one draw and two losses. They are averaging 2.2 goals scored per match while conceding 1.2. Their recent attacking displays include a 3-0 away victory over Willem II and a 2-2 draw against NEC Nijmegen. Those results demonstrate their ability to create chances and score multiple times, including when playing away from home.
The broader goal trends surrounding Excelsior are particularly relevant to this fixture. Each of their last 15 Eredivisie matches has produced over 1.5 total goals, and at least one first-half goal has been scored in all 15. The same patterns have continued on their travels: Excelsior’s last ten away league matches have all featured more than 1.5 total goals and at least one goal before half-time. In addition, 18 of their previous 20 matches have contained a second-half goal. These sequences indicate that goalmouth action has regularly appeared throughout their fixtures rather than being limited to one period of play.
The available numbers give Ajax the advantage, with win probabilities of 60% for the hosts, 21% for a draw and 19% for an Excelsior victory. Ajax have the stronger recent record, the higher scoring average and the benefit of playing at home. Their repeated first-half leads also suggest that Excelsior may face pressure early in the contest.
Nevertheless, the visitors possess enough attacking production to make this more than a straightforward assignment. Excelsior average 2.2 goals per Eredivisie game and have scored multiple times against both Willem II and NEC Nijmegen. Ajax, meanwhile, have conceded an average of 1.6 goals over their last five matches. The probability of both teams scoring is listed at 61%, reflecting the potential for Excelsior to contribute to the scoreline even if Ajax control long stretches of the game.
The head-to-head information also supports the possibility of a competitive and productive meeting. The most recent encounter finished 2-2 on February 1, 2026. Across the supplied head-to-head summary, Ajax have one win, Excelsior have one win and three matches have ended level. Ajax averaged 2.2 goals scored and 1.8 conceded in those meetings, highlighting how closely balanced the results have been despite the hosts entering this game with stronger current form.
Goals remain the central theme of the Ajax vs Excelsior match preview. Ajax’s last eight games and last six home fixtures have all crossed the 3.5-goal mark, while Excelsior have experienced over 1.5 total goals in 15 consecutive league matches. Both teams also carry long sequences involving goals before and after half-time. With Ajax expected to push forward and Excelsior showing that they can respond offensively, the Over 2.5 goals option is the candidate most closely aligned with the available form and statistical evidence.
Ajax vs Excelsior prediction from BetMines: Over 2.5 goals with 64% probability.
This section provides average statistics and percentages on the main markets for the last 10 matches of both teams
Ajax
Excelsior
Under
Over
Under
Over
0.5
0
10
0
10
1.5
0
10
1
9
2.5
2
8
1
9
3.5
4
6
5
5
4.5
7
3
9
1