Sparta Rotterdam will play host to RKC Waalwijk on Sunday, 19 January, in the upcoming round of the Eredivisie.
With both teams battling to avoid relegation this season, who will emerge victorious from this important duel? Read our Sparta Rotterdam vs RKC Waalwijk prediction to find that out and learn more about the match.
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Sparta Rotterdam vs RKC Waalwijk prediction: Another low-scoring affair
Key stats
- Sparta Rotterdam have averaged 2.33 total goals per game this season in the Eredivisie, which is the lowest average in the league.
- Both teams are on winless streaks in the league – Sparta have been without a win for 12 games, while RKC have been winless for seven straight games.
- Four of the last seven meetings between Sparta and RKC have ended in draws.
Correct score prediction: Sparta Rotterdam 1-1 RKC Waalwijk
With both teams struggling to get points lately, and this season overall, we expect to see a very close and tense match, which usually leads to a low number of goals and matches ending without a winner.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Sparta favoured by the bookmakers
- HOME: 11/20 (1.55) – 64.50%
- DRAW: 10/3 (4.33) – 23.10%
- AWAY: 21/4 (6.25) – 16.00%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
We can see from these Sparta Rotterdam vs RKC Waalwijk odds that the hosts are the expected winners, which isn't too surprising considering that Sparta are six points ahead of RKC in the standings.
However, the hosts being such heavy favourites is a bit of a surprise considering they are without a win for 12 games in a row, so we did expect the odds to reflect their poor form, even if they're playing the last team in the league.
Don’t forget to check out more of our best betting tips and predictions after you’ve dissected our tips for this game.
Most recent H2Hs: Sparta clearly the better team lately
With three wins in the last five duels with RKC Waalwijk, along with a couple of draws, Sparta Rotterdam have done much better in recent years. Meanwhile, things are much closer if we look at the overall H2H record between these two teams: 21-17-20 in favour of Sparta.
Netherlands Eredivisie 21/09/24
RKC
Sparta Rotterdam
Netherlands Eredivisie 27/01/24
RKC
Sparta Rotterdam
Netherlands Eredivisie 28/10/23
Sparta Rotterdam
RKC
Europe Friendlies 05/08/23
Sparta Rotterdam
RKC
Netherlands Eredivisie 24/01/23
Sparta Rotterdam
RKC
Sparta Rotterdam preview: A perfect chance to end their winless streak?
Having gone without a win in the league for 12 games in a row, Sparta Rotterdam's fans will look at the team's upcoming duel with the last-placed RKC Waalwijk as a great chance to break this poor streak. However, considering Sparta's performances this season and the fact that they're currently in a spot that would lead them to relegation playoffs, we are more likely to see a hard-fought battle than an easy win for the hosts.
When it comes to team news, Marving Young will have to miss this match to serve a suspension, while Said Bakari is questionable after being injured in the last match.
Predicted lineup: Olij (GK), Hoogma, Eerdhuijzen, Reith, Van Aanholt, Clement, Kitolano, Mito, Verschueren, Neghli & Lauritsen
Netherlands Eredivisie 10/05/25
W
Almere City FC
0
Sparta Rotterdam
3
Netherlands Eredivisie 04/05/25
L
FC Twente
2
Sparta Rotterdam
0
Netherlands Eredivisie 27/04/25
D
Ajax
1
Sparta Rotterdam
1
Netherlands Eredivisie 12/04/25
W
Heerenveen
1
Sparta Rotterdam
3
Netherlands Eredivisie 06/04/25
W
NEC
0
Sparta Rotterdam
2
RKC Waalwijk preview: Last train for survival?
With just seven points from 18 matches in the league this season, RKC Waalwijk are dead-last in the standings and the main candidates for relegation. That being said, they are still just six points behind their next opponent Sparta Rotterdam, who are outside of the direct relegation zone, so a win in this game would keep RKC's hopes of survival alive.
Meanwhile, Nouri El Harmazi, Daouda Weidmann, Dario Van Den Buijs, Yannick Van Osch, and Juan Familia-Castillo are all out with injuries at the moment.
Predicted lineup: Kesting (GK), Al Mazyani, Van Gelderen, Wouters, Meijers, Roemeratoe, Oukili, Van der Water, Ihattaren, Margaret & Kramer
Netherlands Eredivisie 10/05/25
W
Heerenveen
1
RKC
3
Netherlands Eredivisie 03/05/25
L
FC Groningen
6
RKC
1
Netherlands Eredivisie 25/04/25
L
FC Utrecht
4
RKC
0
Netherlands Eredivisie 11/04/25
L
NEC
2
RKC
1
Netherlands Eredivisie 06/04/25
D
Heracles
0
RKC
0
Player to watch: Camiel Neghli
The 23-year-old Dutch forward has been one of Sparta's main contributors on the offensive end this season. In fact, Neghli is the team's top scorer in the Eredivisie with five goals so far and he's the player to watch in this match.
