Excelsior vs PSV – News and Probable Lineups

SBV Excelsior meets PSV Eindhoven at Stadion Woudestein, seeking to break a winless streak against the Eredivisie champions that dates back to May 1985, which is a long 41 years without a victory over such formidable opponents.

Given PSV’s current defensive issues and Excelsior’s focus, the odds may be more favorable for the hosts in this match-up set for week two of the Eredivisie season.

Match overview

Despite finishing the prior season merely six points away from the relegation play-off position, RFuben den Uil’s squad shows no signs of wanting to contend for relegation during the 2026-27 campaign.

The team enjoyed an impressive 4-0 victory over the newly promoted Cambuur in their opening match, extending their unbeaten run across all competitions to 11 matches, with seven of these resulting in wins.

This successful streak for the Kralingers stems from their fight for survival in the 2025-26 season, during which they secured 11 points from a possible 15 in their final five matches.

Heading into this week, the squad is in an impressive six-match unbeaten run within the Eredivisie, winning four encounters during this stretch. Nevertheless, Den Uil’s side needs to end a 41-year historical drought against their rivals to maintain their commendable form.

Excelsior has not managed to defeat PSV since May 1985 — a 2-0 victory at home — and they are currently on a dismal 14-match losing streak against the Eindhoven team.

Yet, there seems to be an impression that Peter Bosz’s squad might be vulnerable, especially after demonstrating defensive weaknesses during pre-season, highlighted by conceding two or more goals in three of their five matches, managing only one clean sheet in those outings.

In competitive play, the Farmers have similarly struggled, conceding four goals in the 4-0 defeat to AZ Alkmaar during the Johan Cruyff Shield, despite dealing with an eight-minute red card presented to Joey Veerman that made the challenge even more difficult.

The recent 2-2 draw with Fortuna Sittard kept the Dutch giants in a disappointing vein of form, with Bosz’s decision to experiment with a back three, deploying Ivan Perisic as a right wing-back, leading to a disastrous outcome in that entertaining encounter.

The Boeren have never been particularly stingy in defence, which is apparent from their seven shutouts in 34 matches, and their bold style is unlikely to change under the current head coach.

Moreover, the departure of Ismael Saibari, who netted 23 goals in 2025-26, has left the squad lacking some attacking finesse as the new season begins.

While Sven Mijnans, who arrives off the back of an 11-goal, six-assist season with AZ, is expected to adapt quickly to his new surroundings, PSV ultimately aims for a fourth consecutive Eredivisie title.

However, their first challenge lies in facing a side they have historically performed well against, yet one that may see this as their chance to break their long-standing drought on Saturday in what promises to be an exciting fixture.

Team News

Excelsior has not reported any confirmed absentee players, although Kasey Bos’s shoulder injury will be monitored leading up to Saturday’s match.

Both Noah Naujoks and Irakli Yegoian had stellar performances in their opener against Cambuur, with Naujoks scoring twice and Yegoian contributing two goals (a goal and an assist). Yegoian has now scored four and assisted one in his last four matches for the Kralingers.

David Garden will also look to continue his great form after a strong debut that saw him score before halftime, now totaling three goals in his last two matches.

For PSV, it remains to be seen whether Bosz will continue with his adventurous formation that left them exposed defensively or if Sergino Dest will return to the right-back position following his suspension, with Veerman also likely to be back in midfield after serving his ban.

No matter the formation, key players for the Farmers such as Ricardo Pepi and Guus Til — who scored a combined 30 goals last season — will be essential for success, along with Perisic, who made 12 assists.

The visitors are likely to be missing the injured Jerdy Schouten (knee), while Couhaib Driouech’s situation is uncertain due to a knock sustained recently.

SBV Excelsior probable starting XI:

Van Gassel; Martens, Meissen, Plug, Janssen; Hartjes, Van Vianen; Yegoian, Naujoks, De Regt; Garden

PSV Eindhoven probable starting XI:

Kovar; Dest, Flamingo, Gasiorowski, Junior; Wanner, Veerman; Til, Mijnans, Perisic; Pepi

With the returns of Veerman and Dest, PSV may regain some stability this weekend, but their unconvincing performances seem to have persisted into this season.

Conversely, Excelsior has achieved seven consecutive victories, and while they might not conclude their 41-year winless run against the visitors from Eindhoven, there is optimism they can put an end to their 14-match losing streak in this fixture.