Dutch Cup-Sparta Rotterdam VS Groningen: The dark horse of the Eredivisie moves to the cup

After the first 10 rounds of the Eredivisie, Groningen ranked fifth with 18 points, and Sparta Rotterdam ranked sixth with 16 points. Their results can only be said to be passable. But if Ajax is used as a reference, it can be considered a dark horse. Ajax, the Eredivisie's top giant, currently only has 19 points.

Sparta Rotterdam is also a traditional Dutch team. In team history, it has won the Eredivisie championship 6 times and the Dutch Cup 3 times.

Although the current Eredivisie league points are 2 points more than Sparta Rotterdam, in terms of foundation, Groningen is far from being able to compare with Sparta Rotterdam. This team, which was only established in 1971, has only won one Dutch Cup championship in its history. However, this team is the springboard for many new South American stars to land in the five major leagues, such as the legendary Uruguayan center Suarez.

Sparta Rotterdam VS Groningen

Nature of the match: First round of the Dutch Cup

Match time: 3:00 on October 31

Sparta Rotterdam has seen a significant recovery in recent form, with 3 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses in the past 6 official games. The team's performance on the offensive end is acceptable, scoring 8 goals in the past 6 games in all competitions, averaging more than 1 goal per game. However, the team's defense has certain problems. It has conceded 11 goals in the past 6 games in all competitions, averaging close to 2 goals per game. At home, the team's performance has been ups and downs, with 2 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses in the past 5 home games. In the league standings, the team ranks 6th.

Groningen has maintained an excellent competitive state, with 4 wins, 0 draws and 2 losses in the past 6 official games. The team's performance on the road is particularly eye-catching, and it has recently won three consecutive away games. Compared with the home team, Groningen's defense is more solid, conceding only 5 goals in the past 6 games in all competitions, averaging less than 1 goal per game. In the league, they ranked 5th with 18 points from 10 games, 6 wins and 4 losses.

Sparta Rotterdam mainly plays a 4-2-3-1 formation, and its tactical lifeline lies in wing speed and quick counterattacks. Left winger Van Bergen and right winger Tobias Lauridsen can jointly complete 4.8 successful dribbles per game. The team's quick counterattack rate is as high as 39%, which is the first echelon in the Eredivisie. However, the team's double midfielders do not adequately protect the defense, which results in the area in front of the central defender often being directly attacked by opponents. In addition, set-piece defense is a high-risk link for them, with the number of goals conceded accounting for 36% of the total number of goals conceded.

In terms of injuries, the team faces certain problems. Forward Shunsuke Mito is out with a knee injury, midfielder Jens Thunstra is suspended, and another midfielder, Joshua Kitorano, may also be unavailable for unknown reasons.

Groningen also tends to use a 4-2-3-1 formation, but their tactical style puts more emphasis on collective pressure and rapid vertical passing. Midfielder T. De Jong is the team's offensive engine, averaging 2.1 key passes per game, ranking first in the team. Younes Taha and Jorg Schroeder on the striker have jointly contributed 9 goals. The two are good at hitting the wall in the opponent's ribs. On the defensive end, Groningen's overall defensive system is very good. They are only allowed 9.8 shots per game by their opponents, which is the fourth best in the league. Their ability to quickly return to defense has a certain restraint on Sparta's counterattack.

The injury situation is more favorable to Groningen. Currently, the team has no injury report and all members can play.

Judging from historical confrontations, Sparta Rotterdam has an overwhelming psychological advantage.

Track record: In the past 8 official matches, Sparta Rotterdam has achieved a good record of 6 wins and 2 losses, including four consecutive victories against Groningen at home.

Recent encounters: In the last 10 encounters between the two sides, Groningen has only achieved 3 wins, 1 draw and 6 losses, putting it at a disadvantage. Just this month (October 19), Sparta Rotterdam defeated Groningen 2-0 away from home.

Groningen's more balanced offensive and defensive system and excellent away performance make them even more optimistic about this game. But Sparta Rotterdam will never surrender easily at home.