Sports Mole previews Saturday’s Eredivisie clash between Willem II and Sparta Rotterdam, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Matchday four of the 2024-25 Eredivisie season sees Willem II and Sparta Rotterdam face off against each other at the Koning Willem II Stadion on Saturday.
Both teams had to make do with a share of the spoils from their respective last outings and will be looking to go one better in this weekend’s encounter in Tilburg.
Match preview
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Willem II maintained their unbeaten start to life back in the top flight courtesy of a 1-1 stalemate against Heracles in Sunday’s meeting between the sides at the Asito Stadium.
Having scored in his first two league outings, new signing Kyan Vaesen was instrumental for Peter Maes‘s men once again as he turned provider this time around for Jesse Bosch to cancel out Juho Talvitie‘s opener and level matters in Almelo.
It is now five points from a possible nine for De Superkruiken, who were involved in a second draw in three matches last time out either side of a 2-0 triumph over Go Ahead Eagles on August 18.
Now unbeaten in 13 straight competitive outings dating back to early March, Willem II have proven themselves to be a tough nut to crack and will be confident of keeping that run going.
However, standing in their way this weekend is an opposing outfit who have come out on top in five of the last six clashes, although the most recent three of those have been pre-season encounters.
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Following an eighth-place finish last time out, Sparta came close to qualifying for European football and were tipped to put on another strong showing this term, but it is safe to say they are yet to get going.
Jeroen Rijsdijk‘s men played out an entertaining 1-1 stalemate against city rivals Feyenoord in Sunday’s Rotterdam derby between the teams at the Sparta Stadion Het Kasteel.
Camiel Neghli‘s opener 11 minutes before the half-time hiatus was cancelled out right on the hour mark by Quinten Timber to deny De Kasteelheren a first victory of the campaign off the back of consecutive draws against Heracles and FC Twente.
Three straight draws to start the season have left Sparta currently sitting 10th in the Eredivisie table and in need of a pick-me-up heading into September’s international break.
Willem II Eredivisie form:
Sparta Rotterdam Eredivisie form:
Team News
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Niels van Berkel is still ruled out for Willem II as he continues to nurse a knee problem which has ruled him out of action since the turn of the year.
The home side will also have to make do with the absence of Erik Schouten as the defender prepares to sit out a sixth straight game with a muscle problem.
With two goals and an assist to his name already, Kyle Vaesen has made an instant impact for his new employers and will be looking to deliver the goods once again.
Tobias Lauritsen has been directly involved in both of Sparta’s league goals so far, making the Norwegian one to keep an eye on this weekend.
Twenty-three-year-old Joshua Kitolano came off the bench for the visitors last time out and will be pushing for a first start since recovering from a groin injury.
Willem II possible starting lineup:
Didillon; Sigurgeirsson, St Jago, Behounek, Tirpan, Doodeman; Meerveld, Lachkar, Bosch; Sandra, Vaesen
Sparta Rotterdam possible starting lineup:
Olij; Reith, Meissen, Eerdhuijzen, Van der Kust; Baas, Clement; Neghli, Verschueren, Nassoh; Lauritsen
We say: Willem II 1-1 Sparta Rotterdam
There is little to choose between Willem II and Sparta Rotterdam with both sides enjoying unbeaten starts to the new campaign.
Nonetheless, we just about fancy the home side to see off the threat of their visitors and come away with maximum points at the end of the 90 minutes.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.