Our prediction for this Netherlands Eredivisie match:
Groningen
Match Time & Date:
02/05/2021
14:30
Prediction: 1-0
Sparta Rotterdam
Groningen play host to Sparta Rotterdam at their Euroborg in what is expected to be an exciting Eredivisie game. Groningen aim to make amends for back-to-back defeats to Heerenveen and PSV, and we are positive that they will go all guns blazing at Sparta. The Green-White Army are determined to secure a top-eight finish and a win over the Rotterdammers should see them meet the goal.
Considering that head coach Danny Buijs can count on key players for Sunday’s clash, home win should be considered. Sparta are eyeing a place in the Conference League playoffs as well, but seeing that Groningen do not suit them, we do not believe that there is a big value in betting on the visiting team. You should bear in mind that Groningen emerged triumphant in each of their last four meetings with Sparta Rotterdam in the Dutch top flight.
Highlighted Player (Sergio Padt):
Sergio Padt is a Dutch footballer who plays for Eredivisie club Groningen as a goalkeeper. Padt played for the likes of Pancratius, Hoofddorp, and Ajax during his youth career, but he did not see any game action with the Amsterdammers at senior level.
Following short loan spells with the likes of Haarlem and Go Ahead Eagles, Sergio Padt signed a deal with Belgian outfit Gent in June, 2011. After making 55 appearances for the club in the Belgian top flight, the Dutch shot-stopper joined Groningen in the summer of 2014. Sergio Padt did remarkably well to win the KNVB Cup with the Green-White Army in the 2014/15 season, with the team beating PEC Zwolle in the title game.
The Groningen goalkeeper, who was born on June 6, 1990, has five caps for the Netherlands U-21 team. Speaking of his senior career, he received two call-ups for the national team, but has yet to make his debut.
Highlighted Team (Sparta Rotterdam):
Founded back on April 1, 1888, Sparta Rotterdam is considered one of the oldest clubs in the Netherlands. De Kasteelheren (the Castle Lords) welcome their opponents at Het Kasteel, and they have a great rivalry with Feyenoord. Yet another Rotterdam club Excelsior are considered Sparta’s fierce rivals as well.
Sparta Rotterdam wear white shirts with red strips when playing on home soil, while sky blue is the dominant colour of their away kit. De Kasteelheren have won six Eredivisie trophies. Sparta were the dominant force in the Dutch football in the 1910s, with the team winning their last league title in the 1958/59 season.
De Kasteelheren have won three Dutch Cup trophies as well (1957/58, 1961/62, 1965/66). In the 1985/86 season Sparta last participated in the UEFA Cup, with the team beating Hamburger SC in round 1, while suffering elimination to Borussia Monchengladbach in the second round. Sparta’s stadium Het Kasteel can hold up to 11,926 spectators.
