Sparta vs Excelsior – News and Probable Lineups

Sparta Rotterdam approaches their final encounter of the Eredivisie season aware that only a win against SBV Excelsior will allow them to stay in contention for a Europa Conference League playoff position.

De Kasteelheren have experienced a decline in form recently, while their opponents have managed to secure their place in the league following an improvement in their results.

Match overview

Sparta Rotterdam previously positioned themselves in the European slots after achieving five consecutive league victories from late December through late January.

However, as February arrived, Sparta’s league performance suffered dramatically, managing just one win from 12 Eredivisie fixtures.

Their diminishing results have led to a drop in league standings, now sitting in 10th place – two points behind Groningen, who currently hold the last Europa Conference League playoff position.

Maurice Steijn’s squad requires a win to have any chance of overtaking their competitors, though their prospects for European football remain bleak considering Groningen’s final matchday opponents are the last-placed Heracles.

This Sunday marks Steijn’s last regular season game as head coach of Sparta, following his announcement to depart the club at season’s end.

The search for his replacement has encountered a hurdle after former Wolfsburg manager Paul Simonis and the club could not reach an agreement.

Rene Hake, assistant coach at Feyenoord Rotterdam, is currently the leading candidate, with Robin van Persie’s second in command also seeking new opportunities.

Excelsior found themselves in danger of relegation after suffering six defeats in seven Eredivisie matches during February, March, and April.

Nevertheless, a late surge of form saw Ruben den Uil’s team collect eight points from four matches, ensuring their top-flight status for another season.

Den Uil is making significant strides in Dutch football, as he builds on last season’s promotion with a commendable campaign at this level – in fact, former Netherlands international Rene van der Gijp has recently encouraged Sparta to hire the 35-year-old.

Before finalizing his future plans, Den Uil will aim to conclude the season with a derby win at the Sparta Stadion Het Kasteel, something they have not achieved in eight years.

Excelsior will be confident of getting on the scoresheet, having netted 11 goals in their last four league matches.

Sparta Rotterdam Eredivisie form:

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SBV Excelsior Eredivisie form:

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Team News

Sparta Rotterdam will be missing Bruno Martins Indi for their season finale, as the former Stoke City defender is suspended due to accumulating five yellow cards after last weekend’s match.

Said Bakari has had an inconsistent presence in the squad in recent weeks, and the 31-year-old remains uncertain for Sunday.

Mitchell van Bergen may also be sidelined after exiting early during the 20th minute against FC Twente last weekend.

Norwegian forward Tobias Lauritsen is expected to lead the line for Sparta, aiming to enhance his tally of 12 goals this season.

On the other hand, Excelsior will be without Swedish midfielder Adam Carlen, who is suspended.

Indonesian forward Miliano Jonathans has been absent since mid-March due to a knee injury and will not feature this weekend.

Dutch forward Gyan de Regt will serve as the attacking threat for the visitors, having contributed three goals across his last four matches.

Sparta Rotterdam probable starting XI:

Drommel; Vianello, Quintero, Young, Tuesday; Kitolano, Bass; Myth, Saints, Van Crooij; Lauritsen

SBV Excelsior probable starting XI:

Van Gassel; Zagre, Schouten, Widell, Meissen; Yegoian, Hearts, Naujoks; Hansson, De Regt, Sanches Fernandes

Sparta Rotterdam requires all three points to maintain any hope of qualifying for the Europa Conference League playoffs, but their current form suggests they might encounter difficulties.

Having conceded 12 goals in their last four fixtures, we are inclined to support an in-form Excelsior side to secure at least a draw in this Sunday’s derby.