Excelsior
Nesto Groen is unavailable after making his first start in the last five matches against FC Twente.
At right-back, Rick Meissen is preferred to Eric da Silva Moreira, who started there twice in the last five matches but was introduced only as a half-time substitute against Twente. On the left, Kasey Bos holds on to the place he claimed in that same game, while Simon Janssen, another option in that position, returns to the starting eleven after he himself was only brought on as a substitute last time out. Further forward, Irakli Yegoian keeps his place after scoring three goals across his last four starts.
Go Ahead Eagles
Jasper Cillessen's first start in goal lasted just the one match: Kjetil Haug reclaims the gloves here after starting three of Go Ahead Eagles' last five matches.
At centre-back, Julius Dirksen keeps the shirt ahead of Giovanni van Zwam after two starts each in the same period. Dean James continues at left-back despite being substituted in all four of his recent starts. In midfield, Melle Meulensteen and Evert Linthorst both continue after four starts apiece in the last five games, with Meulensteen contributing an assist and Linthorst a goal in that stretch. Up front, Søren Tengstedt keeps his place after scoring three goals across his last four starts, with Mathis Suray, who has a goal and an assist in the last five games, also retained.
