**NEC's inconsistency meets Excelsior's hot streak** — one team's all over the place, the other's clicking. This could be a reality check. 🔥

NEC have been shaky (two big losses to Bodø/Glimt and Feyenoord sandwiching a solid away win), while **Excelsior are rolling with four wins in five**, including that stunning 3-0 away at Willem II. The form gap is real.

Key storylines:

- **NEC's defensive wobble** vs a visiting attack that just dismantled Willem II — expect some vulnerability at the back
- **Home advantage matters** at de Goffert, but Excelsior don't scare easily — this is their moment to prove they belong in the mix
- **Linssen and Mor** lead NEC's charge, but they'll need the midfield to stay tight against Excelsior's rhythm

Expected lineups:

- **NEC Nijmegen**: Crettaz, Fonville, Storm, Nuytinck, Pereira, Monteiro, Lebreton, Nejašmić, Bischoff, Linssen, Mor
- **Excelsior**: van Gassel, Janssen, Meissen, Widell, d. S. Moreira, Plug, Yegoian, Hartjes, d. Regt, Garden, Thorsteinsson

Prediction:

**1-2 Excelsior** — the visitors have momentum and NEC's shaky form hands them an edge. 📍