Sparta Rotterdam vs Zwolle Prediction & Tips | Eredivisie | FootballTips.app

Sparta Rotterdam and PEC Zwolle open matchday five at Het Kasteel with both sides looking to recover from defeats and move away from the lower reaches of the table. Sparta sit 12th with four points from four matches, while Zwolle are one place below them on three points after losing three of their opening four.

Rogier Meijer’s side were beaten 2-1 away to Excelsior in the Rotterdam derby last weekend, conceding the decisive goal in the second minute of stoppage time. Aymen Sliti had given Excelsior the lead before Milan Zonneveld equalised shortly after half-time, but substitute Nesto Groen headed home from a late corner to settle the contest.

The defeat exposed a recurring issue for Sparta. They controlled 56.4% possession and circulated the ball comfortably but managed only two shots on target, struggling to convert territorial control into genuine attacking threat. Set-pieces also proved costly, with both Excelsior goals developing from corner situations.

Zwolle endured a similarly frustrating afternoon in a 3-1 home loss to NEC. Tjaronn Chery converted two first-half penalties before Koen Kostons replied from the spot, but the hosts were unable to complete the comeback. Kostons then missed another penalty that would have made it 2-2 before Perr Schuurs sealed NEC’s victory late on.

Henry van der Vegt’s side could also feel unfortunate after seeing two potential goals ruled out following VAR reviews, but their broader numbers remain concerning. Zwolle have conceded eight goals in four matches and have now given away the most penalties in the division with two, while their four league goals underline an attack that has not consistently matched their possession.

Recent history offers the visitors encouragement, with Zwolle unbeaten in the last five meetings against Sparta, winning three and drawing two. Both teams have nevertheless struggled for consistency so far, and with only one point separating them, Friday’s contest represents an early opportunity to establish some distance from the bottom end of the standings.