Utrecht vs Excelsior Prediction & Betting Tips (24 August)

FC Utrecht will host Excelsior at Stadion Galgenwaard on August 24, 2025, in what promises to be a compelling Eredivisie clash. The home side enters the fixture with a mixed bag of early-season form—having split their opening two matches with one win and one loss. Under the guidance of Ron Jans, who took charge in late 2023, Utrecht is still sculpting its identity, leaning on the creative spark of Oscar Fraulo and the midfield dynamism of Ryan Flamingo. With Belgian striker Anthony Descotte sidelined due to knee surgery, the attacking burden will likely fall on Victor Jensen and Bart Ramselaar, both of whom are expected to feature prominently.

Excelsior, meanwhile, are still searching for their first win of the campaign after back-to-back defeats. Marinus Dijkhuizen’s men showed flashes of resilience last season, finishing 15th, but their current form suggests a rocky start to 2025–26. The Rotterdam-based side will be hoping that Tottenham loanee Troy Parrott can replicate his October heroics, when he netted the winner against Sparta Rotterdam. However, injuries to Redouan El Yaakoubi and Lennard Hartjes have thinned their defensive and midfield options, potentially exposing vulnerabilities against a Utrecht side eager to capitalize.

Historically, Utrecht have enjoyed the upper hand in this matchup, with nine wins to Excelsior’s two in their last 18 meetings. The Galgenwaard has been a fortress of sorts, where Utrecht have recently held their own against top-tier opposition like Ajax and Twente. Their tactical setup under Jans favors a compact midfield and quick transitions, which could prove decisive against Excelsior’s shaky backline. Expect Fraulo to be instrumental in threading passes through the lines, while Flamingo’s late runs into the box could unsettle the visitors.

Given the current trajectory of both teams, a 2-1 scoreline in favor of Utrecht feels not only plausible but well-grounded. Excelsior may find the net through a moment of individual brilliance—perhaps from Parrott or Cisse Sandra—but Utrecht’s home advantage and sharper attacking edge should see them through. With both sides eager to climb the table early in the season, this fixture could be a turning point, especially for Utrecht as they aim to reassert themselves among the Eredivisie’s top half.