Sparta Rotterdam play host to FC Utrecht looking for the win that could potentially move them closer to the top five in the Eredivisie standings.
In sharp contrast, it has taken a recent undefeated streak from Utrecht to move the club outside of the relegation zone.
Match preview
With Ajax down the table as it stands, Sparta Rotterdam are aware that there is a space open to try to claim a fifth-placed finish.
Collecting seven points from their most recent four fixtures has kept them in the mix, albeit their two recent wins coming against 16th and 18th place in the table.
The 2-1 home defeat to Almere City had the potential to derail Jeroen Rijsdijk's side, but they were able to respond with a 4-1 victory at FC Volendam before the international break.
That made it 10 points from six games on their travels for 2023-24, but they need to improve their form at the Sparta Stadion to remain in the top six.
Just eight points and seven goals have been recorded in six outings, and some momentum needs to be built before they make the trip to Ajax - potential rivals for later in the season - on December 9.
After losing seven of their opening matches, Utrecht were facing the prospect of a real backs-to-the-wall season if they wanted to get out of trouble.
However, a 4-3 triumph over Ajax and three draws in succession have moved them into 15th position, outside of the bottom three on goals scored.
Ron Jans remains under pressure to deliver given the club's seventh-placed finish from 2022-23, yet his side have clearly made great strides since his arrival in September.
His next target may be on scoring more goals on their travels, with a total of just three strikes coming in six fixtures away from home.
Team News
Sparta will be forced into at least one change with Arno Verschueren missing this fixture due to suspension.
Charles-Andreas Brym could potentially move into a central position, with Augustin Anello earning an opportunity on the left.
With none of the injured five players in line to return, the remainder of the starting lineup could stay the same.
Alterations will be made to the FC Utrecht XI with Mike van der Hoorn in line to miss out due to injury.
Nick Viergiver could get the nod in the middle of the backline, even though Can Bozdogan replaced Van der Hoorn against Excelsior and was key to his side earning a 2-2 draw.
Bozdogan could be drafted back into the midfield, though, as a replacement for either Ryan Flamingo or Oscar Fraulo, with Flamingo another option to drop into defence.
Sparta Rotterdam possible starting lineup:
Olij; Bakari, Vriends, Velthuis, Kust; De Guzman, Kitolano; Neghli, Brym, Anello; Lauritsen
FC Utrecht possible starting lineup:
Barkas; Ter Avest, Viergiver, Sagnan, Leliendal; Bozdogan, Fraulo; Azarkan, Toornstra, Booth; Lidberg
We say: Sparta Rotterdam 1-1 FC Utrecht
With Sparta having been far more inconsistent than their next opponents of late, this feels like it could be more competitive than it may have been several weeks ago. Utrecht have built up a head of steam and we feel that they will do enough to earn a share of the spoils.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Darren Plant
