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

Mid-table Sparta Rotterdam face a difficult challenge on Saturday as they host fifth-placed Groningen in the Eredivisie.

Groningen have enjoyed a surprisingly strong campaign so far and come into this fixture in good form.

Match preview

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Sparta endured a difficult start to the campaign, losing their first three league fixtures and failing to win in their first seven.

However, they have turned things around in recent weeks, winning four of their last five Eredivisie matches.

Additionally, the one loss suffered in that run was an admirable effort, falling 1-0 away against second-placed PSV Eindhoven.

However, three of their four wins have come against teams currently occupying the bottom three, and Saturday's opponents will prove an altogether tougher challenge.

Groningen have enjoyed a fine season so far, winning seven and losing just three of their first 12 league outings.

They also come into this fixture in good form, having won their last three games in a row.

Having bounced between 12th and seventh over the last few seasons, it is a surprise to see Groningen so high up the table in the early stages of the season.

Their strong form has bred confidence, however, and they will go into Saturday's fixture expecting to beat an inferior opponent.

Sparta Rotterdam Eredivisie form: LWWLWW

Groningen Eredivisie form: WLDWWW Groningen form (all competitions): LDWWWL

Team News

Both teams have very few injury problems coming into Saturday's encounter.

Sparta boss Henk Fraser is without just one player as he mulls over his team selection.

Tim Coremans is absent due to a knee injury, but he should be back later this month.

Meanwhile, Groningen manager Danny Buijs also has just one absentee ahead of the trip to Rotterdam.

Veteran winger Arjen Robben is struggling for fitness and is not expected back until early next year.

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

Groningen possible starting lineup: Padt; J van Kaam, Itakura, Van Hintum, Gudmundsson; El Messaoudi, Matusiwa, D van Kaam; Balk, Larsen, Joosten

We say: Sparta Rotterdam 1-2 Groningen

This should be a close contest as both sides are in good form, but Groningen have been far more consistent this season and could edge the game in Rotterdam.

Top betting tip