Excelsior v Telstar: survival stakes as bottom-half rivals meet | OneFootball

Excelsior host Telstar in the Eredivisie on 17 January 2026 at Stadion Woudestein, with both sides aiming to put daylight between themselves and the relegation places.

Excelsior sit 14th on 19 points, with Telstar 15th on 15. The reverse fixture finished 2-2 on 1 November.

Ruben den Uil's team have won three of their past five league matches, including away at Ajax, but were beaten 5-1 by PSV last time out. Telstar were unbeaten in three league games before a 3-2 defeat by Ajax, drawing with Heracles and NEC before winning at NAC Breda.

Team news matters. Excelsior are without Stefan Mitrovic and Chris Nadje through injury, while Telstar travel without suspended midfielder Cedric Hatenboer.

The hosts average 45% possession and have scored 17 and conceded 32 this season. Noah Naujoks has five league goals. Telstar have 22 for and 30 against, and their 37 offsides point to frequent runs in behind, with Jeff Hardeveld leading their supply on four assists. Neither side has scored from set pieces so far, so wide deliveries and timing could prove decisive.

A win would lift Excelsior to 22 points and could ease them further from the bottom three. Victory for Telstar would move them to 18 points and strengthen their grip on a place outside the relegation spots.