As ADO Den Haag and SBV Excelsior gear up for their crucial Eredivisie Promotion Playoff semi-final, anticipation is building around who will secure a vital victory.
Both teams are eyeing a spot in next season's Eredivisie, making this matchup one of high stakes and intense competition.
Match Preview
ADO Den Haag
ADO Den Haag comes into this fixture after a roller-coaster performance in the Eerste Divisie, finishing fifth.
Despite a somewhat inconsistent season, they showed resilience in the quarter-finals by overcoming De Graafschap in a thrilling two-legged encounter.
They won 3-2 in the first leg and held on for a 2-2 draw in the return fixture, although they nearly allowed De Graafschap back into the tie, showing vulnerabilities in defence.
Excelsior
On the other side, SBV Excelsior, who finished 16th in the Eredivisie, have displayed commendable form lately.
They achieved significant victories, including two emphatic 4-0 wins against FC Volendam and Heracles, and managed a respectable 2-2 draw with Ajax.
However, their recent 4-0 defeat to Feyenoord highlighted some defensive frailties. Excelsior's manager, Marinus Dijkhuizen, will hope his team can shake off this setback and leverage their top-flight experience.
Team News
ADO Den Haag will miss the services of Amir Absalem, who is suspended due to a red card.
Henri Koudossou is expected to fill in at left wing-back. Manager Darije Kalezic is likely to stick with most of his starting lineup from their previous tie, aiming to maintain stability.
Excelsior might see Noah Naujoks starting, given Derensili Sanches Fernandes's injury. Another possible inclusion is Couhaib Driouech, who could replace Sanches Fernandes.
Dijkhuizen is expected to avoid major changes, keeping faith in the core team that has shown promise recently.
Prediction
Considering the recent form and the dynamics of the teams, SBV Excelsior appears to have a slight edge.
Their ability to score prolifically, coupled with ADO Den Haag's defensive inconsistencies, suggests that Excelsior might come out on top.
Our prediction is a 3-1 victory for SBV Excelsior, who are likely to capitalise on their higher-tier experience and recent offensive prowess.
Den Haag 
Excelsior 
