Preview: PSV Eindhoven vs. Sparta Rotterdam - prediction, team news, lineups

PSV Eindhoven will be looking to boost their title credentials with a win over mid-table Sparta Rotterdam on Sunday.

Roger Schmidt's side are four points off the pace with nine games played, and will be eager to wrest the title back from Ajax this season.

Match preview

PSV's last Eredivisie title came in the 2017-18 season, but they were narrowly pipped to the post by Ajax the year after, and Ajax were top of the table when the season was called off last year.

PSV are once again narrowly behind their title rivals, sitting fourth in the league with nine games played.

Having said that, Roger Schmidt's side have not had a bad season so far. They have picked up 20 points from their first nine games, losing just once.

They also boast the second-best defensive record and the fourth-best goalscoring record in the league, scoring 20 and shipping just six.

Meanwhile, Sparta are heading for a stable, mid-table finish in their second season after coming up from the Eerste Divisie in 2018.

They were 11th and comfortably clear of the relegation places when last season was cancelled, and look set for a repeat performance this time around.

Sparta's campaign started as a struggle, picking up just three points from their first seven games, but two wins in succession have turned things around.

PSV may prove too strong as opponents, but the success of Sparta's season is unlikely to be defined by their performances against the division's powerhouses.

PSV Eindhoven Eredivisie form: WLWWD PSV Eindhoven form (all competitions): WLWDW

Sparta Rotterdam Eredivisie form: DDLWW Sparta Rotterdam form (all competitions): DLLWW

Team News

PSV boss Schmidt is struggling with a number of injuries as he prepares for the visit of Sparta.

Mohammed Ihattaren, Ryan Thomas, Mario Gotze, Armando Obispo and Erick Gutierrez are all likely to be sidelined with injuries.

Maximiliano Romero is also a doubt with a knee injury.

Meanwhile, Sparta head coach Henk Fraser has close to a full complement to pick from.

Tim Coremans is out with a knee injury and is not expected to return for around a month.

PSV Eindhoven possible starting lineup: Mvogo; Dumfries, Teze, Boscagli, Max; Gakpo, Sangare, Rosario, Madueke; Zahavi, Malen

Sparta Rotterdam possible starting lineup: Okoye; Abels, Vriends, Heylen, Pinto; Auassar, Harroui; Mijnans, Smeets, Duarte; Thy

We say: PSV Eindhoven 2-0 Sparta Rotterdam

Sparta have found form, but PSV are among the league's title contenders and, especially at home, should record a comfortable victory.

Top betting tip

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