Sparta Rotterdam – Fortuna Sittard 12.04.2013

Sparta Rotterdam is one of the victims of Veendam’s bankruptcy.

They defeated them once (won 2:1 on 10.08.2012) and now are deducted 3 points as all results of Veendam are cancelled. However, Sparta is still in contention for the first place. At the moment they have just two points less then co-leaders Volendam and Helmond. Having on mind that Volendam and Helmond play each against other this weekend, Sparta Rotterdam have a chance to climb on the table, at least for one place. It is clear the home players will be fully motivated on this game.

There is some positive news for Sparta. After three consecutive defeats from Maastricht, Eagles and Emmen, Sparta managed to win in the last round. They won 2:1 against Dordrecht on road and I believe that victory will have a positive impact to the players.

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However, that victory was not enough for the coach Michel Vonk to keep his job. Vonk was fired and Henk Ten Cate is a new coach. Ten Cate is good and experienced coach, he was Frank Rijkaard’s assistant coach in Barcelona. Ten Cate has coached Sparta before and the fans reacted positively on his appointment.

Sparta is complete for this match and Ten Cate does not have new injury or suspension worries. Donovan Slijngard is the only doubtful player, but it is expected to be fit on time.

Fortuna Sittard is currently on the 7th position with 41 point. They are in solid form at the moment, having won the last two matches. But those victories were obtained at home. The away form is a problem for Fortuna as they suffered three defeats on the last four matches as guest.

In addition, two players are suspended – Fatih Turan and Ramon Voorn have accumulated yellow cards and won’t play on this match. That’s not all as three more players are struggling with injuries – Fernando Ricksen and Timothy Dreesen are definitely out, while Yoann de Boer are rated as doubtful.

I will finish the preview with the tradition. Sparta Rotterdam have four victories in the last five mutual home games against Fortuna Sittard. I expect the tradition to continue.