Excelsior vs SC Heerenveen – News and Probable Lineups

In an effort to end their ongoing slump and increase the gap between themselves and the relegation zone, SBV Excelsior is set to face Heerenveen at Stadion Woudestein on Saturday.

The home side arrives at this match on the back of three consecutive defeats, while the visitors aim for a fourth victory in five games to bolster their pursuit of European qualifications.

Match overview

Excelsior were merely three points shy of the top half at the beginning of the year, but a tough start to 2026 has seen them gradually pulled into an intense battle for survival.

A 5-1 loss to PSV Eindhoven ignited a five-match winless streak for Ruben den Uil’s team, which briefly found success again with a 2-0 victory over NAC Breda on February 6. Yet, they have suffered three consecutive defeats since, placing them 15th in the Eredivisie standings.

Currently just four points above the relegation zone, De Roodzwarten will be keen to avoid another loss this weekend and can draw confidence from their recent head-to-head record against an opponent with only one win in the last four league encounters between the teams.

However, it’s important to highlight that Heerenveen’s singlur win came during the last meeting in October’s reverse fixture, where Dylan Vente and Sam Kersten both struck within five minutes during a remarkable comeback.

Excelsior’s total of 13 goals at home is the lowest in the Eredivisie this season, which explains why they haven’t celebrated a victory in front of their supporters since defeating PEC Zwolle 2-1 on December 20.

Similar to their hosts, Heerenveen commenced 2026 poorly, failing to secure a win in any of their first four league matches, including a 5-0 defeat against FC Twente, marking their biggest loss this season.

Robin Veldman’s side appeared on track for a fifth successive league match without a win after they fell behind in the 54th minute against Go Ahead Eagles on February 11; however, they managed to rally back and clinch a 3-1 victory.

This win marked the beginning of an impressive sequence of three victories in four games for De Superfriezen, who are now level on points (34) with FC Utrecht, who sit in eighth place.

Nonetheless, despite Heerenveen’s resurgence, there remain defensive frailties, having failed to achieve a clean sheet in their last 10 games across all competitions after recording two in three matches at the end of 2025.

With matches against each of the current bottom-five teams still to come in their remaining nine fixtures, the visitors on Saturday will play a crucial role in the relegation battle while also aiming for a return to European competition.

Team News

Arthur Zagre will miss one match due to accumulated yellow cards, while Emil Hansson and Calvin Raatsie are unavailable due to thigh and shoulder injuries, respectively.

Chris Kevin Nadje has not featured in Excelsior’s matchday squad for their last two matches and is also expected to be absent this weekend.

Levi Smans is the only confirmed absentee from Heerenveen’s side, as he continues to recover from a long-term knee injury sustained during August’s season opener against Volendam.

Jacob Trenskow’s goal against Sparta was his 12th of the season – five of which came in 2026 – making him a player to keep an eye on.

SBV Excelsior probable starting XI:

Van Gassel; Janssen, Meissen, Widell, Bronkhorst; Yegoian, Schouten, Hartjes; Sanches, Naujoks, De Regt

Heerenveen probable starting XI:

Clover Jack; Zagaritis, Willemsen, Kersten, Braude; Van Overeem, Linday; Oyen, Meerveld, Trenskow; Nordas

As both teams have much to play for, neither side will require any additional motivation to perform at their best.

Given the circumstances, we anticipate that they will likely finish level at the end of the match.