ADO Den Haag vs Sparta – News and Probable Lineups

Seeking to end a three-match losing streak, ADO Den Haag welcomes Sparta Rotterdam on Saturday for round 12 of the 2026-27 Eredivisie season.

This fixture represents the first league clash between the two teams in five years, with their five meetings since 2021 occurring in cup competitions and friendlies.

Match overview

Having returned to the top tier as Eerste Divisie champions, ADO Den Haag seemed to have overcome a poor start—suffering six losses in their first seven games—by remaining unbeaten in the next three fixtures around the September/October international break.

However, Robin Peter’s squad has since faced three straight defeats, the latest setback being a 1-0 loss to PEC Zwolle—a match where they failed to score for the first time in six games, with Dylan Mbayo’s goal just before halftime proving pivotal.

With only Fortuna Sittard generating fewer significant chances than De Ooievaars’ 13, it’s no wonder they have netted the third-lowest total goals in the league. An improvement in their attacking output is crucial if they are to escape the relegation zone.

ADO is one of six Eredivisie clubs that have yet to keep a clean sheet, and their continual habit of conceding first—having done so in each of their last eight encounters—often forces them to chase games from behind.

Having already secured a victory against PSV Eindhoven at home this season, the hosts have demonstrated that they can compete effectively against any side when they find their rhythm. This weekend’s challenge will demand complete focus and drive from the outset.

Just four days after conceding a late equaliser and being eliminated from the KNVB Beker by Fortuna Sittard, Sparta found themselves on the fortunate side of a five-goal thriller against Groningen at the Euroborg Stadium last Sunday, as Andrej Kostic netted a winner in the 85th minute.

A defeat would have left Rogier Meijer’s side outside the relegation zone based solely on goal difference, but they now head to Den Haag this weekend with the opportunity to extend their lead above the drop zone to six points—an encouraging situation for a team that started the campaign with only six points from the initial 24 available.

While a win this weekend could also propel them into the top half of the table, whether De Kasteelheren still have European aspirations remains uncertain after a dismal finish to the previous season, where they went winless in their last six fixtures and ended five points short of the final continental spot.

Sparta has conceded an average of 2.4 goals per away match this season, with 1.6 of those coming in the opening half, underscoring their susceptibility to late goals on the road. However, Saturday’s clash will see them face a team that has yet to find the net in the first half at home this term.

Team News

Ado last featured in their matchup against Fortuna in matchday five, and the 22-year-old Luka Reischl is not expected to be involved on Saturday as he continues his rehabilitation from a groin injury.

Alejandro Pozo also faces uncertainty for the hosts, while Donat Barany returns to the squad after a brief 12-minute appearance off the bench against Zwolle.

Jens Toornstra was substituted just 10 minutes into the second half of Sparta’s recent match against Groningen, raising his availability for this fixture into question.

Should Toornstra be unavailable, Robin van Cruijsen is the prime candidate to step into the visitors’ starting XI, although Shunsuke Mito could also be considered.

With nine goals and one assist across his last 10 appearances, Milan Zonneveld stands out as his team’s most significant attacking threat and will be looking to perform once again.

ADO Den Haag probable starting XI:

Nikiema; Jensen-Abbew, Mulder, Waem, Hokke; Kilo, Rottier, Sin; Hawkins, Eduardo, Thomas

Sparta Rotterdam probable starting XI:

Brewer; Kuipers, Martins Indi, Verschuren, Young, Martes; Van Bergen, Babadi, Hatenboer, Van Cruijsen; Sunfield

The teams are closely matched from a defensive standpoint, but Sparta clearly has the advantage in attacking capabilities.

As a result, we anticipate a narrow win for the visitors when all is said and done in Den Haag.