The Eredivisie Promotion Playoffs continue with an exciting second-leg clash between SBV Excelsior and ADO Den Haag at Van Donge & De Roo Stadion.
With a narrow lead from the first leg, Excelsior is looking to secure their place in the top tier of Dutch football, while Den Haag is fighting to keep their promotion dreams alive.
Match Preview
SBV Excelsior's Journey
SBV Excelsior finished 15th in the Eredivisie standings during the 2022-23 season, narrowly avoiding the relegation playoff by four points.
However, they face a battle to extend their stay in the top division to three campaigns.
In the first leg, Excelsior showcased their attacking prowess, taking a two-goal lead within 23 minutes through goals from Couhaib Driouech and Lance Duijvestijn.
Despite conceding a goal to Henk Veerman, Excelsior holds a slim advantage heading into the second leg.
ADO Den Haag's Determination
ADO Den Haag enters this match with a challenging task. They suffered their second loss in seven matches when Excelsior claimed a first-leg victory.
However, Den Haag's key players demonstrated their potential to cause problems for the opposition.
Henk Veerman, the top scorer in the Eerste Divisie, netted once again in the first leg, bringing his season tally to 25 goals.
The team also relies on playmaker Daryl van Mieghem, who leads the league in assists with 15 and has contributed eight goals himself.
Team News
SBV Excelsior
Excelsior has several injury concerns. Kik Pierie is out with a foot injury, and Lennard Hartjes remains sidelined with a knee issue since August.
Serano Seymor is also unavailable due to a foot injury. Despite these setbacks, Excelsior has strong options in attack, including Tottenham Hotspur loanee Troy Parrott, who has scored 10 goals in 25 league appearances this season.
ADO Den Haag
ADO Den Haag's Joel Ideho, who assisted Veerman's goal in the first leg, is expected to retain his spot.
The team will likely field a two-man forward line of Van Mieghem and Veerman, with Jort van der Sande providing support from midfield.
Prediction
SBV Excelsior has shown resilience and attacking strength throughout the playoffs.
With home advantage and a one-goal lead, they are favored to win this second-leg clash.
ADO Den Haag, while capable of posing a threat, has struggled defensively, conceding 11 goals in their last five matches.
Excelsior 
Den Haag 
