Eredivisie | Gameweek 23

Feb 14, 2025 at 7pm UK

De Adelaarshorst

Go Ahead Eagles vs Sparta Rotterdam

Match preview

Go Ahead Eagles will be looking to get back to winning ways in this match after letting a one-goal lead slip away in a 4-2 defeat to Heracles last weekend.

That defeat followed a six-match unbeaten run in the top flight for the pride of the IJssel (W4 D2 L), during which time they also booked their place in the last four of the KNVB Beker with wins over Noordwijk and Twente.

Notably, despite the defeat to HAFC last time out, this was the ninth consecutive league game in which Paul Simonis' side have scored two or more goals, dating back to a 1-0 loss to Heerenveen in early November.

However, that game also exposed the defensive frailties of Koweta's side, who have now conceded 34 goals this season - more than their opponents, who currently sit in the bottom three.

However, the hosts will be confident of taking all three points from this fixture given their impressive home record, with four wins and two draws from their last six games at De Adelaarshorst.

Meanwhile, Sparta Rotterdam, who finished above Go Ahead Eagles and comfortably in the top half of the table last season, have faded considerably this term and currently occupy the sole relegation play-off spot after 22 games.

De Kasteelheren had been on a good run of form since the start of the year, with two wins and two draws in a row, but their unbeaten run came to an end last weekend when they were beaten 3-0 away to Feyenoord.

Sparta will also be keen to get back to winning ways, but their recent record in this fixture has been less than stellar, with a 2-1 reverse fixture defeat at Sparta's Het Kasteel stadium in September extending their winless run against this opponent to three games.

Furthermore, the visitors have won just three of their 11 Eredivisie games away from home this season, with only one of those coming since Maurice Steijn took over at the start of November.

Recent Performance

Go Ahead Eagles Eredivisie form:DWWWDL

Sparta Rotterdam Eredivisie form:LDDWWL

Team News

Go Ahead Eagles could be without two players for the game, with Soren Tengstedt definitely ruled out with a leg injury, while Finn Stokkers is still a doubt after missing the last nine games.

Since the departure of Oliver Edvardsen to Ajax during the winter transfer window, Jakob Breum has stepped up with four goals in his last four league games and is likely to continue in the number 10 role this week in support of Victor Edvardsen.

Despite coming off the bench in the last five games, Jonathan de Guzman has not played at all since returning from injury and will be hoping to get some minutes this weekend.

With no new injury concerns, Steijn could look to name an unchanged 11 this week, with Tobias Lauritsen leading the line and Kristian Hlynsson, Mitchell van Bergen and Shunsuke Mito providing support in midfield.

Possible starting lineup

Go Ahead Eagles possible starting lineup:

Wellenreuther; Nieuwkoop, Beelen, Hancko, Hartman; Moder, Hwang, Timber; Paixao, Carranza, Moussa

Sparta Rotterdam possible starting lineup:

Olij; Bakari, Young, Eerdhuijzen, Van Aanholt; Clement, Eiting; Mito, Hlynsson, Van Bergen; Lauritsen