Cambuur vs Excelsior Prediction 07.08.2026 | Eredivisie

Cambuur head into the new campaign with a huge wave of optimism after securing a second-place finish in the Eerste Divisie last season, a result that sealed their direct return to the Dutch top flight. However, their long-awaited Eredivisie comeback also marks the beginning of a new era on the touchline.

Despite Henk de Jong guiding the club to a remarkable promotion campaign, Cambuur opted for a managerial change during the summer, handing the reins to young coach Johan Plat. The 39-year-old will have one clear objective ahead of him: securing survival while building a stable tactical identity capable of competing at the highest level.

Friday’s clash will represent Plat’s first official match as a head coach in the Eredivisie, making it a major test at the start of his managerial journey. Nevertheless, supporters in Leeuwarden have plenty of reasons for confidence, with the core of last season’s promotion-winning squad remaining intact and being strengthened by several new additions.

The Yellow-Blues are expected to rely heavily on the passionate atmosphere at the Kooi Stadion, where the home crowd could play a crucial role in their opening fixture. Plat knows that earning a positive result against a fellow relegation candidate on Matchday One would provide valuable momentum and a significant boost of belief for his young squad.

Meanwhile, Excelsior begin their new campaign with a clear ambition to prove they belong among the elite, and there are plenty of reasons for optimism after an outstanding pre-season. The Rotterdam-based side won all five of their friendly fixtures this summer, building significant momentum ahead of their Eredivisie return.

Even more impressive has been their attacking output, with the Kralingers scoring a remarkable 18 goals across those five warm-up matches. Combined with their strong finish to the previous campaign, Excelsior head into Friday’s encounter unbeaten in their last 10 matches across all competitions, highlighting their consistency and confidence.

The club ended last season in a respectable 13th place, although they finished just six points clear of the relegation playoff zone. Nevertheless, memorable achievements, including their first-ever victory over Ajax in Amsterdam, demonstrated the team’s tactical discipline, resilience and ability to compete against higher-profile opponents.

Head coach Ruben den Uil will lead a well-prepared squad into the opening day of the season, with no major injury concerns to disrupt their plans. Following an impressive pre-season, Excelsior will be determined to carry that form into the Eredivisie and make a statement from the very start.