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

The visitors, meanwhile, are aiming to make it back-to-back victories in the league for the first time since August.

Match preview

Goals from Xavi Simons and Noni Madueke were enough to send Sparta Rotterdam crashing out of the KNVB-Beker second round last Tuesday evening.

That defeat marked the second time in the space of four days that Maurice Steijn's side failed to get the better of PSV Eindhoven, after the sides both fired blanks in last weekend's 0-0 draw in their return to Eredivisie action after the World Cup break.

De Kasteelheren finished off 2022 on a negative note, as they lost 2-1 to Westerlo in a club friendly, after enjoying wins during the break against ADO Den Haag, Spezia and Vitesse, as well as suffering a defeat to fellow Eredivisie side FC Twente.

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.

Currently with the second-worst record away from home in the top tier of Dutch football, Saturday's visitors have it all to do as they look to avoid yet another futile outing on the road.

However, SBV Excelsior marked their return to domestic action with a 1-0 victory over Groningen, courtesy of a strike from Redouan El Yaakoubi.

That victory could not be followed up on in midweek as the Kralingers were put to the sword in a 4-1 thumping in the KNVB-Beker second round at the hands of AZ Alkmaar.

Goals from Jens Odgaard, Dani de Wit, Jesper Karlsson and Vangelis Pavlidis ensured that AZ's name was in the hat for the next round, and that Reda Kharchouch's strike for Excelsior was merely a consolation.

Marinus Dijkhuizen's side currently sit 12th in the Eredivisie, recording 16 points after 15 games, but a victory here could see them potentially move into the top half.

Sparta Rotterdam Eredivisie form:

W

L

W

W

D

D

SBV Excelsior Eredivisie form:

L

W

L

L

L

W

Team News

Arno Verschueren will be suspended for the hosts after his caution against PSV Eindhoven, while Younes Namli is doubtful due to a knee injury.

Tim Coremans and Jonathan de Guzman both remain on the treatment table for Sparta Rotterdam, and it looks like Tobias Lauritsen will lead the line here for Maurice Steijn's side, after starting the previous two games.

Yassin Ayoub looks to be a doubt for this clash due to a leg injury, as does Kik Pierie who is recovering from a muscle problem.

Jacky Donkor remains out with a knee injury, while Siebe Horemans and Redouan El Yaakoubi have played every minute of every league game so far this season, so they look set to retain their places in defence.

Sparta Rotterdam possible starting lineup:

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

SBV Excelsior possible starting lineup:

Van Gassel; Tjoe, Seymor, El Yaakoubi, Horemans; Fein, Baas; Azarkan, Goudmijn, Lamprou; Kharchouch

We say: Sparta Rotterdam 2-0 SBV Excelsior

SBV Excelsior have struggled on their travels while Sparta Rotterdam have managed to win five of their eight home games this season.

We think the hosts will edge this one, and the Kralingers' troubles on the road will continue.

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