Ajax vs Excelsior

A sense of tension hangs over Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam as Ajax prepare to host Excelsior at 18:45 local time on Saturday, November 22, 2025. The home crowd will be watching closely, aware that recent results have put pressure on Ajax and that this match is an important opportunity to regain momentum.

Ajax face several injury concerns heading into the game. Owen Wijndal is doubtful, and Branco van den Boomen has only recently returned to group training following a back injury, so he is not expected to play. Steven Berghuis is still recovering from a groin problem. On the positive side, Wout Weghorst has trained fully and is expected to start, while Kasper Dolberg is available to come on as a substitute if needed. Excelsior also have absences, including Lennard Hartjes who remains sidelined due to a cruciate ligament injury, and Ilias Bronkhorst is doubtful after a recent minor injury.

Tactically, interim manager Fred Grim is expected to line Ajax up in a 4-2-3-1 formation that emphasizes midfield control and creative attacking support behind the striker. Given the injury list, Grim may rely on younger or less-used players to fill gaps while keeping Weghorst as the central forward. Excelsior are likely to adopt a 4-3-3 system with a compact defensive shape, looking to absorb pressure and exploit counterattacking opportunities.

The press has focused on Ajax’s ongoing challenges and instability under Grim, highlighting that the team has struggled to find consistent form at home. Commentators have pointed out that poor defensive organization and rotation decisions could create vulnerabilities against a disciplined Excelsior side. Despite Ajax being heavy favorites, analysts stress that the match cannot be taken lightly.

Studio pundits are divided on how the game will unfold. Some see it as an opportunity for Grim to stabilize the squad and give younger players competitive experience. Others warn that if Ajax fail to organize defensively, Excelsior could capitalize on mistakes. Many agree that substitutions will be key to Ajax regaining momentum and that the match will test both tactical acumen and squad depth.