The upcoming Eredivisie clash between Excelsior and SC Telstar on January 17, 2026, promises to be a tense and crucial encounter in the battle to avoid relegation. Both sides sit dangerously close to the drop zone, with Excelsior in 14th place and Telstar just behind in 15th. The three points at stake could prove vital for either team’s hopes of climbing away from the lower end of the table. Recent performances suggest that both teams are capable of scoring, but defensive vulnerabilities continue to define their seasons, setting the stage for an open and unpredictable match at Stadion Woudestein.

Excelsior’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Excelsior have endured a rollercoaster campaign so far, alternating between impressive wins and heavy defeats. Their recent 5-1 loss to PSV on January 10 exposed ongoing defensive issues that have plagued the team throughout the season. Despite these setbacks, Excelsior have managed to win three of their last five matches, showing flashes of attacking quality. Over the course of the Eredivisie season, they have recorded 6 wins, 1 draw, and 10 losses, averaging 1.0 goal scored and 1.9 conceded per game. The lack of consistency remains a major concern, as the team has failed to draw in 26 of their last 28 matches — a sign of their all-or-nothing approach.

At home, Excelsior tend to start strongly, having led at half time in 8 of their last 13 home fixtures. Their attacking intent is clear, but defensive lapses, particularly against quick counterattacks and set pieces, have cost them valuable points. The team’s recent form suggests that while they can trouble opponents offensively, maintaining concentration at the back will be key if they are to secure a much-needed victory.

• Last 5 matches: 3 wins, 0 draws, 2 defeats


• Average goals scored: 1.2 | Average conceded: 1.8


• Haven’t drawn in 26 of their last 28 matches


• Won at half time in 6 of their last 10 Eredivisie games

SC Telstar’s Recent Form and Key Stats

SC Telstar arrive in Rotterdam on the back of a morale-boosting 3-1 away win over Almere City on January 14. That result continued a positive run that has seen them win three of their last five matches, drawing once and losing only once. Their attacking output has improved significantly, averaging 2.4 goals scored per game in that period, while conceding 1.4. Over the season, Telstar’s record stands at 3 wins, 6 draws, and 9 defeats, with an average of 1.2 goals scored and 1.7 conceded per match.

Telstar’s defensive organization has tightened in recent weeks, with four draws earlier in the campaign reflecting a more disciplined approach. However, they still struggle to convert defensive solidity into consistent attacking opportunities. Their recent 3-2 defeat to Ajax demonstrated both their attacking ambition and their defensive fragility against stronger opponents. Away from home, Telstar’s matches tend to be lively, with over 7.5 corners taken in each of their last 19 away fixtures. They also tend to come alive after the break, with at least one goal scored in the second half in 21 of their last 23 matches.

• Last 5 matches: 3 wins, 1 draw, 1 defeat


• Average goals scored: 2.4 | Average conceded: 1.4


• Over 0.5 goals in the second half in 21 of their last 23 matches


• Both teams scored in the second half in 9 of the last 15 matches

Head-to-Head and Tactical Overview

Historically, encounters between Excelsior and Telstar have been competitive and high-scoring. Their last meeting ended in a 2-2 draw on November 1, 2025, continuing a trend of open games between the two sides. In their last five head-to-head clashes, Excelsior have won three, drawn one, and lost one, averaging 2.8 goals scored and 2.2 conceded per match. These numbers underline the attacking potential on both sides but also highlight defensive weaknesses that could once again shape the outcome.

Excelsior are expected to take the initiative at home, relying on their offensive momentum and the support of their fans. Telstar, on the other hand, will likely adopt a pragmatic approach, focusing on compact defending and quick transitions through their pacey forwards. Both teams have shown a tendency to concede when under pressure, suggesting that this fixture could produce goals at both ends.

Excelsior vs SC Telstar Prediction and Final Analysis

Given the current form and statistical trends, this match has all the ingredients for an entertaining contest. Excelsior’s attacking intent and Telstar’s improved scoring record point towards a game where both sides will find the net. The home side’s inconsistency and the visitors’ defensive lapses make it difficult to identify a clear favorite, as reflected in the win probabilities — Excelsior 37%, Draw 25%, Telstar 39%. With both teams fighting to escape the lower reaches of the table, expect a spirited and open encounter.

Excelsior vs SC Telstar prediction from BetMines: Both Teams To Score (Yes) with 58% probability.