Struggling Willem II find themselves just two points above the relegation zone as they prepare to host Sparta Rotterdam in Sunday's Eredivisie clash.

Sparta have found form recently after a difficult start to the season, winning three of their last four games and surging up the table.

Match preview

Henk Fraser, now in charge of Sparta Rotterdam, pictured in 2017 © Reuters

Willem II have endured a difficult start to the season, sitting 14th with only two points separating them from the drop zone after 11 games.

Adrie Koster's side have struggled in attack, scoring just 11 times in the league this term - only ADO Den Haag have a worse record, with 10.

Their toothlessness has seen them lose seven of their 11 league games to date, winning just twice, without ever managing a run of positive results.

Koster's men could find inspiration in Sunday's opponents, Sparta, who overcame a difficult start and have now found form.

Sparta have won three of their last four Eredivisie games, having gone winless in their first seven outings.

The recent upturn in results has taken Henk Fraser's side - who were previously mired in the relegation zone with just three points - up the table and into 10th.

The 6-0 demolition of Den Haag was a particular bright spot in what had been a dire campaign for Sparta.

If Willem II want to avoid being on the end of a similar scoreline, they will have to be vigilant and try to emulate their opponents.

Willem II Eredivisie form: DLLWLL

Sparta Rotterdam Eredivisie form: DLWWLW
Sparta Rotterdam form (all competitions): LLWWLW

Team News

Adrie Koster, now in charge of Willem II, pictured in 2011 © Reuters

Willem II boss Koster has a few selection issues ahead of Sunday's fixture.

Pol Llonch is suspended after being sent off in the last game for two bookable offences.

Meanwhile, Elton Kabangu and Dries Saddiki are both doubts, but could feature.

Sparta head coach Fraser, on the other hand, has just one absentee coming into this game.

Tim Coremans is sidelined with a knee injury and will not be available for selection.

Willem II possible starting lineup:
Ruiter; Owusu, Van der Heijden, Peters, Kohn; Saglam, Ndayishimiye, Saddiki; Nunnely, Pavlidis, Kohlert

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

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We say: Willem II 1-2 Sparta Rotterdam

Willem II are a struggling side and, with Sparta in form and brimming with newfound confidence, the hosts may come up short once again.

Top betting tip

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Data Analysis

Our analysis of all available data, including recent performances and player stats up until an hour before kickoff, suggested the most likely outcome of this match was a Willem II win with a probability of 48.87%. A win for Sparta Rotterdam had a probability of 26.46% and a draw had a probability of 24.7%.

The most likely scoreline for a Willem II win was 1-0 with a probability of 10.39%. The next most likely scorelines for that outcome were 2-1 (9.49%) and 2-0 (8.42%). The likeliest Sparta Rotterdam win was 0-1 (7.22%), while for a drawn scoreline it was 1-1 (11.7%). The actual scoreline of 1-3 was predicted with a 2.5% likelihood.