Sparta Rotterdam will host NEC Nijmegen in a crucial Eredivisie clash on Sunday at Sparta Stadion Het Kasteel. Both teams come into this match eager to regain winning momentum after recent setbacks.
Match Preview: Sparta Rotterdam vs NEC
In their last outing, Sparta Rotterdam faced Fortuna Sittard, resulting in a 2-2 draw. This ended their impressive five-match winning streak. Before the draw, they had opportunities to take down Fortuna and level points with Ajax, who are currently fourth in the standings.
Sparta has accumulated 36 points from 22 games, marking their best return at this stage since the 1985 season. This performance puts them in contention for a European spot next season. However, their prior meeting with NEC resulted in a 3-1 defeat, leaving them with just one win from the last five encounters. Sparta will need to maintain their form, as they have recently garnered 13 out of a possible 15 points.
NEC’s Current Form
NEC is enjoying a surprising season, sitting third in the Eredivisie and searching for their highest-ever league finish. They recently ended a 13-game unbeaten streak following a 3-1 loss against FC Utrecht. This defeat dampened their hopes, but NEC remains a formidable opponent, with a chance to climb to second place or drop to fourth in the league standings.
NEC has been prolific away, scoring 27 goals in 11 matches but also has defensive weaknesses, conceding 21 times. This combination suggests that goals are likely when they face off against Sparta.
Team News and Key Players
- Sparta Rotterdam: Vito van Crooij is ineligible due to his loan agreement with NEC. He is also sidelined with an injury. Tobias Lauritsen leads Sparta with 10 league goals this season, continuing his streak of scoring double digits in four consecutive seasons.
- NEC: Sami Ouaissa will miss the match due to suspension. Bryan Linssen, who struggled last season, has rebounded with six goals and seven assists this term, making him a key player for NEC.
Projected Starting Lineups
| Sparta Rotterdam | NEC Nijmegen |
|---|---|
| Drommel | Crettaz |
| Quintero, Martins Indi, Young, Martes | Dasa, Kaplan, Sandler |
| Kitolano, Clement | Onal, Sano, Nejasmic, Pereira |
| Mito, Santos, Van Bergen | Lebreton, Chery, Linssen |
Prediction
Given the attacking prowess of both teams, it’s expected that this match could feature numerous goals. Recent performances indicate a close matchup, suggesting a possible draw. A 2-2 outcome seems a reasonable prediction as both sides aim to gain valuable points in their quest for European football.
