This KNVB Beker Round 2 clash sees the ambitious amateur outfit Excelsior Maassluis hosting the Dutch giants Ajax at Sportpark Dijkpolder. While the tie may appear a massive mismatch on paper, cup football never ceases to produce talking points — will the underdogs rise to the occasion against one of Europe’s most storied clubs? For Excelsior Maassluis, this is a showcase event; for Ajax, a chance to assert their depth and confidence amid a crowded schedule.
With Excelsior Maassluis leaning heavily on the goal threat of Quincy Tavares Mojica, who’s snatched 3 goals in his last five appearances, their hopes will rest on his clinical touch and a compact back line. For Ajax, versatile midfielder Oscar Gloukh enters in sparkling form, having provided 2 goals and 3 assists recently — his guile and movement will test the hosts from the off.
Hot stat: Ajax have racked up 11 goals in their last 5 matches, doubling the output of Maassluis in the same span — a clear sign of their offensive firepower and reason for their heavy-favouritism with bookmakers.
| 🏆 Tournament: | KNVB Beker 2025/26, Round 2 |
| 🏟 Venue: | Sportpark Dijkpolder, Maassluis |
| 🗓️ Date: | 17.12.2025 |
| ⏰ Time: | 19:45 CEST |
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Excelsior Maassluis vs Ajax prediction
Given the gulf in quality, experience, and recent form, Ajax enter as firm favourites. However, cup ties often defy logic for spells. The best value prediction, in this case, is Ajax to win with a -2.5 Asian Handicap — the difference in resources and technical ability is vast, and Ajax have shown a clinical edge in front of goal lately. Expect Ajax to control possession (averaging over 2200 passes in their last five matches, compared to incomplete stats for Maassluis) and force the game into the hosts’ half, who will defend deep and look for sporadic counters, likely funnelling through Tavares Mojica.
Ajax’s 4-3-3 shape is tailored for high pressing and quick ball recovery, reflected by their 53 interceptions in the last five matches and a tally of 64 total fouls — the aggressive edge that can sometimes lead to disciplinary risks. Maassluis, meanwhile, are not shy in the challenge themselves, with 10 yellows and even a red across their recent outings. With both sides capable of rough challenges, expect a competitive spirit, but the technical chasm should favour Ajax as the game wears on.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Ajax -2.5 Asian Handicap |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Over 3.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | No |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 9.5 |
Team Analysis
Excelsior Maassluis recent games:
Their form reads as a medley of gritty draws and a morale-boosting win over Barendrecht (2-0). Despite being outclassed by IJsselmeervogels in a 0-4 defeat, they’ve shown resilience — taking points off Almere City (Youth), Amsterdamsche, and Kozakken Boys in low-scoring affairs. The consistent issue has been converting half-chances, but their defensive line, marshalled by Ringeling and Heuvelman, has not lacked in commitment, as evidenced by the 10 yellows recently.
Ajax recent games:
Ajax come in energised — dispatching Feyenoord 2-0 in a statement derby win and seeing off Qarabag 4-2 in European action. A minor blip with losses to Benfica and a prior lean spell now seems behind them as they gear up for a crucial domestic and cup stretch. The attack has clicked, with Oscar Gloukh and Mika Godts both finding the net, and defensive solidity tightening up, as seen in recent clean sheets.
🚨Read our full Excelsior Maassluis vs Ajax stats for more analysis.

Excelsior Maassluis. Source: Official Website
Pre-game odds and win probability: Ajax the favourite
- Moneyline Excelsior Maassluis 21.00 | Ajax 1.08
- Draw 9.80
- Over/Under Over 2.5 1.37 | Under 2.5 3.10
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 2.75 | No 1.40
Bookmakers have left little to the imagination here — Ajax’s win probability sits at a whopping 85 percent, highlighted by their short odds and ruthless form. Maassluis, while at home, are trading as massive outsiders. The best value falls to a handicap bet or a high goal line, given Ajax’s likely dominance. Imagine the roar in the sport bar if Maassluis manage a shock — but on the numbers, Ajax’s technical superiority and depth should prove decisive.
You can find all our predictions for today’s games on our football betting tips page.
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Possible Starting Lineups
Excelsior Maassluis possible starting eleven

- GK: K. Fakiri
- DF: K. Ringeling, D. Heuvelman, C. Tureaij, S. Bronder
- MF: D. Plank, Jurrian van Eerden, Jeremy Udenhout
- FW: Quincy Tavares Mojica, Bram Wennekers, Maikey Houwaart
Maassluis are expected to stick with a pragmatic 4-3-3 that’s served them well in recent outings, focusing on compactness but still offering Tavares Mojica freedom in transitions. Defensive mainstays Ringeling and Heuvelman will need the performance of their lives, while Plank can provide industry in the middle. The lack of passing stats indicates a likely low-block and fast-break ethos — all eyes on Tavares Mojica to exploit any Ajax complacency.
Ajax possible starting eleven
- GK: Vitezslav Jaros
- DF: Anton Gaaei, Ko Itakura, Owen Wijndal, Lucas Oliveira·Rosa
- MF: Oscar Gloukh, Kenneth Taylor, Davy Klaassen
- FW: Mika Godts, Kasper Dolberg, Raul Moro
Ajax appear likely to run with their familiar 4-3-3, blending youth and experience, while continuing to rotate across competitions. Jaros has deputised well in net, with Itakura and Gaaei lending solidity at the back. Oscar Gloukh, in the engine room, is the creative force who can turn the dial, while Godts’ blend of pace and close control on the left offers a livewire threat. Dolberg upfront leads the line with presence — on paper, this eleven has the firepower and discipline to control proceedings.
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Ajax. Source: Official Website
My take on the Match
While these cup ties occasionally produce fairy tales, it’s difficult to see past Ajax asserting dominance from the outset. Maassluis will approach with discipline and heart, but if Ajax settle early, their quality should translate to a multi-goal win. For a best bet, Ajax to win with a -2.5 handicap looks solid, and Oscar Gloukh to play a direct hand in at least one goal is likely. Yet, football’s magic lies in its unpredictability — even here, that glimmer of hope for the underdog will keep us watching!

