🏏 Sun, 17 May 2026 14:30 CEST
Sparta Rotterdam
vs
Excelsior
4-2-3-1 vs 4-3-3
Substitutes
Substitutes
Match Preview
- A Rotterdam derby, as 10th-placed Sparta (42 points from 31 games) host 14th-placed Excelsior (34 points from 32 games). Survival is secured for both sides, but local pride is on the line. Sparta are level on points with 9th-placed Groningen (42 points, GD +2) but trail on a goal difference of -17.
- In the Matchday 5 meeting, Sparta won 1-0 at Excelsior's home. Sparta are on L-W-D-L-L over their last five, just two losses, one draw and one win, and suffered a heavy 1-4 defeat away at Telstar in Matchday 31. With 36 scored and 53 conceded in 31 games, their lack of goals is serious, the league's third worst attacking output.
- Excelsior are on D-L-D-W-W over their last five, two wins, two draws and one defeat. They are on a winning run, having beaten Utrecht 5-0 at home in Matchday 31 and won 3-2 away at Groningen in Matchday 32. With 39 scored and 53 conceded, they match Sparta's concession total but edge ahead on attacking output.
- The sides are evenly matched in quality, Sparta on 12 wins, six draws and 13 losses and Excelsior on nine wins, seven draws and 16 losses. Their defensive issues in particular are shared, both sides having conceded 53. However, Sparta's 36 goals rank 16th of the 18 teams in the league, with their attacking struggles evident.
- Excelsior have already played 32 of their 34 games, with two remaining. Sparta, meanwhile, have played 31 with three remaining, so Sparta have the greater chance of climbing the table. As a local Rotterdam derby, it is a match with both sides' pride on the line.