Our prediction for this Netherlands Eredivisie match:
Utrecht
Match Time & Date:
23/05/2024
21:00
Prediction: 1-1
Sparta Rotterdam
Following a 3-3 draw with AZ Alkmaar, Utrecht will be aiming to return to winning ways when they face Sparta Rotterdam in the Conference League playoffs, first leg. All Anthony Descotte, Tim Handwerker, and Kevin Gadellaa should miss out with injuries for the home side, while Denmark forward Victor Jensen is widely expected to return to the starting XI.
The Rotterdammers, on the other hand, aim to build on back-to-back wins over Utrecht and Heerenveen. Sparta Rotterdam aim to give fans yet another reason to celebrate, but beating Utrecht on the road is easier said than accomplished. Taking everything into account, we believe that there is a big value in betting on draw. As for the away team, both Arno Veschueren and Django Warmerdam are sidelined with injuries, while midfielder Joshua Kitolano faces race against the clock to be fit for the first leg.
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.
