HERACLES HOSTS EXCELSIOR IN CRUCIAL EREDIVISIE BATTLE

ALMELO, Netherlands (Interstat) — Two Dutch clubs mired in poor form will seek a vital turnaround when Heracles hosts Excelsior in an Eredivisie match on Friday, March 20, 2026.

The fixture at the Erve Asito pits sides desperate for points as the season enters its final phase. Heracles sits 14th in the 18-team league, with Excelsior just one place above in 13th.

The hosts enter on the back of a demoralizing 4-0 defeat at AZ on March 15. That loss extended a dire run for Heracles, which has lost seven of its last eight league matches, conceding four goals in four of those defeats. Its only win since early February was a 2-1 victory at Fortuna Sittard.

Excelsior’s form is scarcely better, having lost three consecutive matches. Its most recent outing was a 2-1 home defeat to Heerenveen on March 7. The Rotterdammers have managed just one win in their last seven Eredivisie contests.

Recent history favors Heracles, which won the reverse fixture 2-1 at Excelsior on Nov. 8, 2025. A statistical projection from Interstat forecasts a repeat of that scoreline, favoring the home side.

Both teams’ defensive records are a major concern. Heracles has the league’s leakiest defense, while Excelsior has consistently conceded multiple goals in recent weeks. The matchup may hinge on which struggling back line can find stability.

For Excelsior, forward Marouan Azarkan remains a key threat, while Heracles will rely on the attacking impetus of Jizz Hornkamp. Midfield control will be critical in a match where mistakes have been punished ruthlessly for both sides.

Following this clash, Heracles travels to Heerenveen on April 5. Excelsior’s next assignment is at home to NEC on April 4.

Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. local time (1900 GMT).