Ajax vs Excelsior – News and Probable Lineups

Ajax could find themselves at the top of the Eredivisie standings after gameweek seven if they triumph over SBV Excelsior at the Johan Cruyff Arena and other results are favorable.

Following their defeat in De Topper, Michel’s squad has fought back with impressive 5-1 victories against Fortuna Sittard and Willem II, generating positive momentum leading into Saturday’s match against Excelsior, who are currently in sixth place.

Match overview

After Ajax suffered a loss to PSV Eindhoven two weeks ago, there were concerns about their prospects in the title race, even in these early stages of the season.

However, since that 3-1 defeat, Michel’s players have responded emphatically, netting 10 goals in the Eredivisie over two matches—scoring five against a resurgent Fortuna and winning 5-1 against the still winless Willem II in their rescheduled fixture to get back on track.

These outcomes have propelled De Joden to the fourth spot in the table, leaving them just three points adrift of PSV and AZ Alkmaar, who sit on 16 points, while Feyenoord, in third place, is one point ahead.

This positions Ajax well to capitalize on any missteps from the teams above, as they aim to secure a spot in the top three.

Nonetheless, they face the unusual task of achieving three consecutive league wins, a feat they haven’t accomplished since December 2025 when they recorded two 2-0 victories over Groningen and triumphed 3-1 against Fortuna Sittard prior to the winter break.

The enthusiastic home crowd in the Johan Cruyff Arena is expected to rally behind their high-scoring side to achieve their fifth league victory this season, despite the fact that astute fans will note Ajax’s four-match winless streak in encounters against Excelsior.

Excelsior has suffered six consecutive defeats to Ajax and had not won in this fixture for 18 years prior to their recent results.

After holding De Joden to a 2-2 stalemate in August 2023, the Paper Recycling Club played to two more 2-2 draws while notably defeating the capital club 2-1 in the corresponding fixture from last season.

Currently sitting sixth in the league, Ruben den Uil’s side should feel optimistic about securing a favorable result this weekend.

This confidence is bolstered by a seemingly solid defense, which has conceded only seven goals over six matches, maintaining two clean sheets during that span.

However, the Kralingers’ struggle to secure back-to-back wins, having drawn 2-2 with NEC Nijmegen and lost 2-1 to FC Utrecht in their last match, raises concerns over a potential decline in form. Nevertheless, Roodzwarten will aim to quash that notion in the capital.

Team News

Aaron Bouwman will miss out due to a bruised lung sustained from a severe tackle by Ruben van Bommel in De Topper, leaving him unavailable for matchday seven. Meanwhile, Daley Blind and Simon Adingra (ankle) are also sidelined.

Kasper Dolberg contributed with two assists and one goal in the rescheduled victory over Willem II, leaving Michel with a choice to make between Tolu Arokodare or Dolberg.

Oscar Gloukh has been instrumental, achieving three goals in the last two fixtures, while Julian Brandt has found the net in consecutive matches, showcasing Ajax’s in-form players at Michel’s disposal.

For the visitors, David Garden, Irakli Yegoian, and Aymen Sliti have been involved in nine goals among them over the recent five matches, providing the Rotterdam team hope of extending their unbeaten streak against Ajax.

While there are no confirmed absences for Excelsior, Noah Naujoks, who last featured after scoring twice on matchday one, remains a doubtful participant for the upcoming fixture.

Ajax probable starting XI:

Ter Stegen; Gaaei, Kehrer, Baas, Henrique; Klaassen, Mokio, Brandt; Berghuis, Arokodare, Gloukh

SBV Excelsior probable starting XI:

Van Gassel; Moreira, Widell, Plug, Janssen; Yegoian, Meissen, Hartjes; Sliti, Garden, Thorsteinsson

Despite Excelsior’s impressive recent results against Ajax and their solid defensive resolve, overcoming Michel’s revived side at the Johan Cruyff Arena presents a challenging task.

With the hosts clicking into gear following their recent scoring form, the capital club possesses ample attacking quality to avoid mistakes, and they are expected to secure a crucial victory at home.