Preview: Cambuur vs. Sparta Rotterdam - prediction, team news, lineups

The two sides have endured contrasting starts to league action following the World Cup break, with Cambuur yet to win, while the visitors are unbeaten since returning from the hiatus.

Match preview

In the wake of a notable ninth-placed finish in their first campaign back at the top level last term, Cambuur are suffering from a serious case of second-season syndrome and find themselves on a crash course for a return to the Eerste Divisie unless things improve in the opposite direction.

Sitting three points adrift of safety and rock-bottom of the table, Cambuur require a much-needed victory this weekend after eight tiresomely long matches without one.

Sjors Ultee's side shared the spoils with Emmen last time out in a mid-season relegation six-pointer, and prior to that, the Yellow Blues-SCC suffered a 3-0 defeat against a clinical visiting Volendam outfit.

Cambuur also failed to progress to the third round of the KNVB-Beker, as De Treffers claimed the notable scalp of their higher-league opposition on January 11.

Ultee's side have only won once in front of their own fans this season, meaning Cambuur have the worst home record in the division.

Sparta Rotterdam marked their return to league action following the World Cup break with a 0-0 draw against PSV Eindhoven on January 7.

Maurice Steijn's side followed that stalemate up with a dramatic victory over SBV Excelsior, thanks to Joshua Kitolano's strike in the 91st minute.

After picking up eight points from their last four league matches, Sparta Rotterdam are in sixth place in the standings following a bright start to the campaign.

De Kasteelheren have picked up nine points from seven games on the road, and Steijn's side will be seeking to make it three league games unbeaten on their travels this weekend.

Cambuur Eredivisie form:

L

L

L

L

L

D

Cambuur form (all competitions):

Sparta Rotterdam Eredivisie form:

L

W

W

D

D

W

Sparta Rotterdam form (all competitions):

W

W

L

D

L

W

Team News

Maxim Gullit remains absent for this clash due to a knee injury, while Robin Maulun continues to recover from a muscle injury.

The hosts have struggled to ignite their attacking cylinders in the final third across their Eredivisie expeditions this season, finding the back of the net on only nine occasions, so Ultee may decide to rotate his side here in a bid to find more joy in front of goal.

Arno Verschueren will return from suspension for the visitors, while Tim Coremans and Jonathan de Guzman both remain on the treatment table for Sparta Rotterdam.

Tobias Lauritsen has started the three previous matches for De Kasteelheren, so he could retain his place in the starting XI here.

Cambuur possible starting lineup:

Virginia; Bangura, Smand, Bergsma, Schmidt; Van Kaam, Hoedemakers, Jacobs; Maulun, Boere, Breij

Sparta Rotterdam possible starting lineup:

Olij; Pinto, Auassar, Vriends, Sambo; Kitolano, Van Mullem, Auassar; Saito, Lauritsen, Van Crooy

We say: Cambuur 0-2 Sparta Rotterdam

Cambuur are in desperate need of a victory here, but we think Sparta Rotterdam will have too much firepower for the home side.

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