Excelsior vs Sittard Prediction & Betting Tips (19 October)

Excelsior Rotterdam, under the guidance of 34-year-old manager Ruben den Uil, enters this fixture with a record of two wins, six losses, and no draws in the current Eredivisie campaign. The team has shown flashes of attacking promise, particularly through striker Szymon Wlodarczyk, who has netted twice in six appearances. Supporting him are D Sanches Fernandes and M van Duinen, each contributing a goal this season. Midfielder A Carlén has been a quiet engine in the middle, registering one assist alongside G De Regt and R Meissen. Despite their struggles, Excelsior has managed to score 12 goals while conceding six, suggesting a team capable of producing moments of brilliance but vulnerable at the back. Their recent 5-0 win over Jong PSV was a standout performance, though consistency remains elusive.

Fortuna Sittard, led by 43-year-old Danny Buijs, has fared slightly better with four wins, one draw, and three losses. Their midfield trio—Mohamed Ihattaren, P Brittijn, and L Tunjic—has been instrumental, combining for seven goals across eight matches. Ihattaren, in particular, has emerged as a key playmaker, while D Limnios and M Aiko have each provided two assists, adding depth to Sittard’s attacking options. The team’s defensive structure has held firm in several matches, including a clean sheet against FC Utrecht and a narrow win over NAC Breda. However, their away form has been inconsistent, highlighted by a 4-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven. With a squad boasting more experience and market value than Excelsior, Sittard will look to assert control early in Rotterdam.

Historically, Fortuna Sittard has had the upper hand in this matchup, winning three of the last five encounters, including a 5-2 triumph in March 2024. Excelsior managed a 2-2 draw in August 2023, showing they can compete when their attack clicks. Both teams have shown a tendency to be involved in high-scoring games, with Excelsior’s last five outings featuring over 2.5 goals in four instances. Sittard, on the other hand, has seen fewer goal-heavy matches recently, but their midfield creativity and Excelsior’s defensive lapses could change that. Neither side reports significant injuries or suspensions ahead of the match, meaning both managers have full squads to choose from, which adds another layer of tactical intrigue.

Given the current form, squad depth, and historical context, a 2-1 scoreline in favor of Excelsior seems a plausible outcome. Playing at Van Donge & De Roo Stadion, Excelsior will benefit from home support and familiarity with the pitch. Their recent attacking surge, especially the dominant win over Jong PSV, suggests they’re capable of breaking down Sittard’s defense. While Sittard’s midfield will likely find the net, Excelsior’s urgency to climb the table and their ability to exploit defensive gaps could tilt the balance. Expect a spirited contest with Excelsior edging it by a single goal, sealing a much-needed 2-1 victory.