"Starting with the hosts, marking their return from Holland's festive break last weekend as they opened the New Year with a routine 2-0 victory at home against Heracles, Maurice Steijn's men have continued on a real flurry on either side of 2026. With the mood in Sparta Rotterdam's camp at a red-hot high, the Castle Lords have won each of their previous three domestic appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 8-1. Likewise, the former Ajax boss has seen his squad register nine points from their last four Eredivisie showdowns."
"Extending on their KNVB Beker adventure last month as they stormed their way to an emetic 5-1 romp away at Willem II, Sparta should be smelling a golden opportunity here. It should also be highlighted, Steijn's side clinched a 1-0 victory when they met Thursday's guests for an Eredivisie battle on December 21st. Recording consecutive top-flight clean sheets for the first time since the end of October, Sparta Rotterdam are rightfully installed as a standout contender in midweek."
"As for the visitors, while Volendam might have only made their Eredivisie return this season, the Oranges have an almighty battle on their hands in the race to keep hold of their top-flight status. Getting the New Year sat in the drop zone and widely regarded as a leading relegation candidate, Rick Kruys' men have continued to show plenty of issues. Suffering consecutive 1-0 losses against AZ Alkmaar and Thursday's hosts on either side of opening 2026, the former Utrecht boss will be bracing himself for another stern examination here."
Sparta Rotterdam return from the festive break in strong form, winning three straight domestic matches by an aggregate 8-1 and taking nine points from their last four Eredivisie games. Maurice Steijn's side began the year with a 2-0 win over Heracles and delivered a 5-1 KNVB Beker victory at Willem II. Sparta beat Volendam 1-0 on December 21 and have recorded consecutive top-flight clean sheets. Volendam sit in the relegation zone, have lost five consecutive Eredivisie matches, and have suffered back-to-back 1-0 defeats heading into the cup tie.
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