Excelsior - NAC Breda predictions and free betting tips [02/06/2024]

On Sunday, 2 June, Excelsior will host NAC Breda as part of the Dutch Championship play-offs. The Black and Yellows demolished their rivals at home with a 6-2 victory, so the home side will need a miracle to advance.

Stadium

The match will take place at Van Donge & De Roo Stadium in Rotterdam.

Excelsior

Excelsior was thoroughly beaten in the first match, losing by a four-goal margin (6:2), largely due to two red cards during the game. In the first half, despite responding with goals from Duijvestijn and Parrott to Breda's three strikes, the team collapsed after the break. The home side now faces a gigantic deficit, which seems impossible to overcome, but let's not forget, this is football.

For their current play-off round, the Rotterdam club eliminated Den Haag, winning the first match (1:2) and the second leg with a scoreline capable of turning Sunday's showdown in their favour (7:1). Fans will be optimistic, seeing that their team has scored at least twice in four out of their last five encounters. However, Excelsior had a dismal home campaign last season with only 19 points from 17 matches (13th in the league, with 26 goals scored and 27 conceded). 

NAC Breda

NAC Breda was flawless in the first match, securing a dominant 6:2 victory with goals from Omgba, Janosek, Van den Berg, Koscelnik, and an Ommarsson brace. This surprising result came from a side that only managed eighth place in the regular season, grabbing the last play-off spot. They then defeated all the favourites, first dismissing Roda (3:1 home, 0:5 away) and then overcoming Emmen (1:1 home, 0:3 away).

The visitors are unbeaten in nine consecutive matches, delighting their fans. Particularly notable is the number of goals scored; Breda's squad netted at least twice in four of their last five games. NAC Breda ranked sixth for away points in the league (27 in 19 fixtures, 34 goals scored, 29 conceded). 

Head-to-Head

NAC Breda are unbeaten in their last five meetings with Excelsior (3 wins, 2 draws). Additionally, Excelsior hasn't triumphed over their Sunday rivals in the last six home fixtures.

Match Prediction: Excelsior vs. NAC Breda

NAC Breda took a giant step towards the Eredivisie with a comfortable 6:2 win in the first leg and are unlikely to relinquish such a massive advantage. Although the Rotterdam team has struggled at home recently, they must rise to the occasion in their final home game of the season. Therefore, I am backing Excelsior to triumph.

Total Goals Prediction

Excelsior will have to attack from the first minute to overturn the four-goal deficit, giving the visitors plenty of opportunities for counter-attacks. I am placing a bet on the total goals over 2.5.

Corner Prediction

The hosts need to make a comeback and will take the initiative from the start. I am betting on a victory for the Rotterdam side on corners with a -1.5 handicap.

Yellow Cards Prediction

Even in the first match, the teams collectively earned five yellow cards. Given the heightened tension in this second leg, a bet on the total yellow cards over 4.5 seems prudent.

Score Prediction

I am predicting a scoreline of 3:1 in favour of Excelsior.