Sparta Rotterdam vs Utrecht prediction: NETHERLANDS: Eredivisie – Conference League – Play Offs betting tips on match 2023-06-03 16:00.
Regardless of what happens here, it has been a pleasurable season for Sparta Rotterdam to look back upon in the future. With 59 points, the Castle residents finished in sixth place, their best haul since the introduction of the three-point system to the Netherlands. In the first leg of this semi-final for the last European ticket, Sparta added another scalp to their wonderful campaign with a convincing 2-1 win in the first leg.
After six participations in the other playoffs – for promotion and relegation – Sparta is back for a second European playoff tilt. The club’s last European adventure dates back to 1985 when they managed to knock out Hamburger SV in the UEFA Cup. On June 11, it will become clear if they will be the Dutch club to take part in the Conference League’s preliminary rounds beginning July 27.
The season has certainly not gone to plan for FC Utrecht. Henk Fraser was replaced mid-season by Michael Silberbauer, who guided the team to seventh place but is going to have to pull out all stops to get them to Europe here. The home defeat against Sparta has left them on the ropes, but earlier 3-1 (home) and 3-0 (away) head-to-head wins in the regular season remains something to be inspired by.
Since its introduction in 2006, Utrecht has been the most frequent participant in these European playoffs. In 2010, 2013, 2017 and 2019, the team from Utrecht were subsequently active in the UEFA Europa League after qualifying through this format. In 2010, the club reached the group stage – their most recent European success. A return to the continental competitions will have to be earned via a significant against Sparta and then also against the winner of the Twente-Heerenveen semi-final.
Players to watch: In the first leg, the top scorers of both clubs for 2022/23 delivered. Sparta’s Vito van Crooij added to his 11 goals and 11 assists from the regular season, whilst Utrecht’s Anastasios Douvikas (G19, A4) became the first man to accumulate 20 Eredivisie goals this season.
Hot stat: Sparta goalkeeper Nick Olij made eight saves from nine goal attempts by FC Utrecht in the first leg.