Twente vs Excelsior on 24 January
On January 24th, the Eredivisie returns with an intriguing clash between FC Twente and Excelsior. The match, taking place at the De Grolsch Veste, promises to be a tactical showdown with important ramifications for both teams. Twente, battling for a European spot, will be looking to keep their momentum going, while Excelsior, caught in the relegation battle, needs points to stay afloat. As the stakes rise, the tactical decisions and key individual performances will make all the difference. The weather forecast predicts mild conditions, perfect for fast-paced football, with little impact on the game.
Twente: Tactical Approach and Current Form
FC Twente enters this match in strong form, having won 3 of their last 5 Eredivisie games. Their tactical setup is centered around possession-based football, with a preference for building from the back. They maintain an average possession of 58% and focus on quick, fluid passes in the final third. Their pressing game is relentless, averaging 14 pressing actions per game, with key players such as midfielder Kostić pulling the strings in midfield. With an xG of 1.8 in their last five matches, their offensive setup has proven effective, especially in wide areas where the wingers exploit space. Defensively, Twente has been solid, with a pass accuracy rate of 84%, which allows them to maintain control even under pressure.
However, their main concern lies in the injury of key defender Leovanni in the last match, which may impact their ability to sustain defensive solidity. His absence forces the team to adjust, possibly relying on an alternative system with more defensive reinforcement.
Excelsior: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Excelsior’s recent form has been inconsistent, with 2 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw in their last 5 games. The team relies heavily on a counter-attacking style, with a compact defensive shape aiming to soak up pressure before launching rapid transitions. They average 45% possession, reflecting their tendency to sit deep and spring forward on the break. Excelsior’s top scorer, Ndayishimiye, has been crucial in these counter-attacks, using his speed and dribbling ability to exploit defensive gaps. However, their xG of 0.9 over the past few matches highlights their struggle to create quality chances, especially when facing teams with strong pressing systems. Defensively, their backline has shown vulnerability to high pressing, conceding an average of 2.1 goals per game in their last five outings.
With midfielder Kees de Boer suspended for this match due to an accumulation of yellow cards, Excelsior will be missing a key link in their midfield. This could leave them exposed in the center of the pitch, further weakening their ability to break forward with precision.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
In their last 5 encounters, FC Twente has had the upper hand, winning 3 times, with 2 matches ending in draws. The most recent encounter in the previous season ended in a 1-1 draw, a result that underlined the resilience of Excelsior in difficult away games. However, when playing at home, Twente has been dominant, and their attacking prowess has often proven too much for Excelsior’s defense. Historically, the head-to-head record suggests that Twente’s greater individual quality and tactical discipline tend to shine through against Excelsior, especially in crucial moments.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
One of the most exciting matchups in this game will be the battle between Twente’s right-back, and Excelsior’s speedy winger, Ndayishimiye. The Twente defender will have to stay vigilant in dealing with Ndayishimiye’s direct runs, which have been a key threat in Excelsior’s counter-attacks. Additionally, the midfield duel between Twente’s Kostić and Excelsior’s replacement for de Boer, who will need to step up, will be pivotal in determining the tempo of the game. If Twente can dominate possession, they will likely control the match, but if Excelsior can disrupt that flow and exploit spaces on the break, they will stand a chance.
Another critical area will be Twente’s ability to break down Excelsior’s low block. With Twente’s wingers able to stretch the defense and deliver dangerous crosses into the box, their wide players will need to be on top of their game to capitalize on any defensive lapses from Excelsior’s full-backs.
Match Scenario and Prediction
The most likely scenario for this match is that Twente will take the initiative early, using their possession-based style to control the game. They will look to exploit Excelsior’s weaknesses on the flanks, while also maintaining a solid defensive setup to prevent any counter-attacks. Excelsior, on the other hand, will rely on their counter-attacking ability and hope to catch Twente off-guard, especially from set pieces where they can be dangerous. Given Twente’s stronger overall squad and their form at home, they are favorites to secure a win. Expect a 2-0 victory for Twente, with a strong performance from their wide players.
Final Thoughts
This match will answer whether Excelsior’s counter-attacking tactics can overcome a team as well-drilled and dominant as Twente. With key players like Kostić pulling the strings, Twente should have enough to secure all three points. However, the game could still be closer than expected if Excelsior capitalizes on set-pieces or a defensive error. Twente’s key to success will be maintaining their attacking momentum while keeping a compact defense to stifle any of Excelsior’s counter-attacks.
