AFC Ajax Amsterdam vs Excelsior Prediction and Betting Tips

AFC Ajax Amsterdam will host Excelsior at the Johan Cruijff Arena on Saturday in another round of the 2025-26 Eredivisie campaign. The home side's slow start to their season prompted the dismissal of head coach Johnny Heitinga just 15 games into his reign at the club, with the side sitting fourth in the league table.

Ajax played their first game under interim boss Fred Grim just before the international break, travelling to the Stadion Galgenwaard to face Utrecht. They lost 2-1, conceding a goal on either side of halftime before Mika Godts pulled one back with a long-range strike, leaving the Amsterdam outfit 11 points off the top of the table.

Excelsior returned to the Eredivisie this season after spending the 2024-25 campaign in the second tier, but have struggled to readjust to life in the top flight. They suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Heracles Almelo last time out, having gone into the break a goal up before their opponents turned the game on its head in the second half.

The visitors sit 16th in the table with 10 points and could end the round at the bottom of the pile should they fail to pick up any points on the road this weekend.

AFC Ajax Amsterdam vs Excelsior Head-to-Head and Key Numbers

Saturday's game will mark the 50th meeting between Ajax and Excelsior. The hosts have won 39 of their previous matchups while the visitors have won just two times, with their other eight contests ending in draws.
The two teams played out 2-2 draws in their two meetings last season.
Ajax are undefeated in their last 19 competitive games in this fixture, a run dating back to 2008.
Excelsior are the lowest-scoring side in the Dutch top flight this season with 11 goals in 12 matches.

AFC Ajax Amsterdam vs Excelsior Prediction

De Godenzonen are winless in their last three games and have won just one of their last eight across all competitions. They, however, remain overwhelming favorites for the weekend clash and will only need to avoid complacency to secure a comfortable win.

Similarly, the Kralingers have lost three of their last four games across all competitions. They have failed to perform in this fixture historically and could lose this one.

Prediction: AFC Ajax Amsterdam 3-1 Excelsior