Sparta Rotterdam vs. FC Volendam: Prediction, Team News, Lineups Preview

FC Volendam will face Sparta Rotterdam on Thursday in the round of 16 of the KNVB Beker, aiming for their first quarter-final appearance since the 2016-17 season. The match will be held at Het Kasteel, where Volendam has struggled historically, losing their last three encounters against Sparta, including a defeat last December.

Match Preview: Sparta Rotterdam vs. FC Volendam

Sparta Rotterdam enters this match with a solid record, having won their last three games, including a 2-0 victory over Heracles. They have recently maintained clean sheets in consecutive matches for the first time since October, showcasing a strong defensive performance. The last three meetings between these two teams have ended in favor of Sparta, with an aggregate score of 6-1.

If Sparta manages to win, they will progress to the quarter-finals for the first time in six years. The last time they reached this stage, they advanced to the semi-finals but were eliminated by Vitesse.

FC Volendam’s Cup Journey

In contrast, Volendam’s journey has been marked by challenges, particularly in previous seasons where they faced early exits in the KNVB Beker. Their last successful run to this stage was during the 2020-21 season. The team has struggled for goal-scoring, securing only one regulation win since November and requiring extra time in their previous round against Genemuiden.

As they prepare for their match against Sparta, Volendam’s last win in a 90-minute game was a 2-1 victory over NAC Breda. Despite their struggles, reaching the quarter-finals would be a significant achievement for them, something they haven’t accomplished since the 2016-17 season when they lost to Sparta on penalties.

Team News

Sparta Rotterdam gives a mixed injury report ahead of the encounter. Vito van Crooij will be assessed after his recent injury. Star forward Tobias Lauritsen, who has scored nine goals this season, is expected to lead the attack alongside Shunsuke Mito, who performed well in their last cup fixture.

For FC Volendam, Gibson Yah is a doubt after being substituted due to injury in their latest match against AZ Alkmaar. Henk Veerman, the team’s leading scorer, is also unavailable, which may put additional pressure on Aurelio Oehlers, who has been a key player in their cup run.

Possible Lineups

Prediction

With form on their side, Sparta Rotterdam is favored to win the match against FC Volendam. Their strong defensive record and historical advantage make them the likely candidates to progress to the quarter-finals. A prediction of 2-0 in favor of Sparta seems reasonable, given Volendam’s recent struggles in front of goal.