Utrecht vs Excelsior prediction: NETHERLANDS: Eredivisie betting tips on match 2023-01-25 20:00.
When one takes stock of FC Utrechtâs season so far at the halfway point, it can be reasonably concluded that it has been a fairly average one in terms of results. In each of the ten Eredivisie seasons prior to this one, they collected between 21 and 29 points after 17 games, so their tally of 26 in this term is neither here nor there. Even their goal counts – 26 for and 26 against – paint a pretty boring picture! In order to keep their playoffs chances in their own hands, productivity in front of goal needs improving.
The only taste of success so far for new manager Michael Silberbauer, who has needed some time to settle in after an unexpected ascent to the role, has been a comfortable 3-1 KNVB Cup defeat of fourth-tier Blauw Geel '38. Even on that occasion his players, who have conceded goals to every side but Volendam in their last nine Eredivisie matches, couldnât find a clean sheet. It will only get harder from here for Silberbauer, with upcoming opponents including PSV, Sparta and AZ twice (in league and in the Cup).
Upcoming opponent Excelsior Rotterdam wonât be intending to travel to the Galgenwaard to hand their hosts three points on a silver platter, but their awful travelling record in this competition may leave them with little choice. Marinus Dijkhuizen's team have accumulated just four points from their nine Eredivisie away games this term, opening the season with a 2-0 win at Cambuur and drawing at NEC in the first half of October 2022.
More recently, things have been looking a little more positive for the Kralingers, albeit within the comforts of home. By defeating both Groningen and Volendam âto nilâ at home, they have at least remembered the formulae for victory after a trio of alarming defeats. All ten Eredivisie losses to their name have been suffered at the hands of clubs ranked 13th or higher going into this matchday, with five of six wins coming to clubs below them, so they could be in for more pain here.
Players to watch: Whilst â26â is the magic number at Utrecht currently, perhaps it could be Othman Boussaidâs day. The winger has provided two assists this league season but is yet to break through for a goal of his own. For Excelsior, left winger Couhaib Driouech extended his contract this week until mid-2025 and could be buoyed to end his own drought.
Hot streak: Excelsior have won all four competitive games in which Marouan Azarkan scored this season.