Sparta Rotterdam v NEC Nijmegen: Champions League chase meets play-off push | OneFootball

Sparta Rotterdam host NEC Nijmegen in the Eredivisie on Sunday at Het Kasteel, with the hosts targeting European play-off traction and the visitors protecting a top-three position.

NEC Nijmegen arrive third on 41 points and as the division's joint most prolific attack with 57 league goals, while Sparta Rotterdam sit fifth on 36 after a strong winter run. The reverse fixture finished 3-1 to NEC in November.

Form points both ways. Sparta are unbeaten in five league matches, winning four before a draw at Fortuna Sittard. NEC won four straight in the league prior to a 3-1 home defeat by Utrecht last time out.

Team news could matter. Sparta are without Vito van Crooy and Giannino Vianello through injury. NEC miss defender Philippe Sandler and midfielder Sami Ouaissa due to suspension, with goalkeeper Freek Entius sidelined.

On the pitch, NEC's front line is potent at 2.6 goals per game and 57% possession, with Koki Ogawa a leading threat and Bryan Linssen and Basar Önal among the chief providers. Sparta balance a 47% share of the ball with resilience, posting nine clean sheets, and carry a focal point in Tobias Lauritsen, who has 10 league goals. The game could hinge on whether Sparta's defence can disrupt NEC's delivery and limit box entries.

A home win would move Sparta to 39 points and tighten the race for European places. Victory for NEC would take them to 44 points, strengthening their grip on the Champions League qualification spots and keeping pressure on the top two.