Excelsior Maassluis vs Ajax prediction, H2H and probable lineups - December 17, 2025
Excelsior Maassluis
One of the matches of the second round of the Dutch Cup will take place on Wednesday at Sportpark Dijkpolder in Maassluis, where local side Excelsior Maassluis will host Amsterdam giants Ajax. Let’s break down this clash, where the visitors are determined to avoid another cup fiasco.
Match preview
For Excelsior Maassluis, this isn’t just a game—it’s arguably the highlight of their year. The team is fighting for survival in the third division and only just escaped the relegation zone last weekend with a win over Barendrecht. But outside league action, things are far less routine—now they have a chance to etch the club’s name into Dutch Cup history.
Their form has been shaky: just one win in their last five matches. But facing Ajax is a golden opportunity for these lower-league players to show what they’re made of on the national stage. And although their last encounter with the Amsterdam side ended in a 0-9 rout, belief in miracles and the backing of their home crowd can work wonders.
Ajax, on the other hand, are in the midst of a rebuilding phase, gradually restoring their reputation after a disastrous start to the season. Four straight wins across all competitions have breathed new confidence into the squad, but none of those victories came easy. In each of their recent games, Ajax have shown vulnerability—whether it was a comeback away in Baku or a hard-fought win over Feyenoord.
Even so, the squad depth and sheer quality make Ajax overwhelming favorites here. Even if they rotate the lineup, the visitors’ talent should far outweigh the hosts’ capabilities. The key will be to avoid complacency and not let the magic of the cup take over.
Probable lineups
- Excelsior Maassluis: Fakiri, Varela, Ringeling, Udenhout, Tureay, Van Erden, Plank, Hamd, Verbont, Wennekers, Tavares
- Ajax: Pasveer, Alders, Baumann, Baas, Rosa, Stöyur, Itakura, Mokio, Edwardsen, Konadu, Moro
Match facts and head-to-head
- In the last official meeting between these teams, Ajax won 9-0.
- Excelsior Maassluis have not won a home Dutch Cup match in the last three seasons.
- Ajax could reach the second round without extra time for the first time in five years.
Prediction
Excelsior Maassluis will give it everything, but the gulf in class will be too much to overcome. Even if Ajax are slightly relaxed or make changes to their lineup, the visitors should progress comfortably.
