Analysis of the Utrecht team
FC Utrecht enter the Eredivisie Europa semi-final play-offs after a solid season, finishing in seventh place, their third consecutive seventh place finish in the last three seasons. Ron Jans’ side have had mixed results at the end of the season, with just one win in their last four matches. However, their capacity to come back from a disadvantageous result was shown in the last round against AZ Alkmaar, where they managed to make up for a three-goal deficit to draw 3-3.
Despite injuries to key players such as Tim Handwerker and Kevin Gadella, as well as the absence of Anthony Descot, Utrecht still has a competitive squad. Zidan Iqbal, a former youth player of Manchester United, who provided stable games in the midfield stands out in particular. Also, Rangers loanee Sam Lammers, who has scored 10 goals this season, will lead the attack.
Utrecht will rely on their solid form at home and aim to take advantage of every opportunity to secure a place in the play-off final and an eventual place in European competition for the first time since the 2010-11 season.
Possible starting line-up of FC Utrecht:
Barkas, Ter Avest, Flamingo, Van der Maarel, El Karouani, Bozdogan, Iqbal, Booth, Jensen, Boussaid, Lammers
Sparta Rotterdam team analysis
Sparta Rotterdam come into the Eredivisie Europa playoff semi-final with solid form and optimism after recent successes. They took three points from Utrecht in the previous meeting, beating them 1-0 at home, which gives them a psychological advantage going into this meeting.
Sparta have shown consistent play throughout the season, winning six of their last eight Eredivisie matches. This form allowed them to qualify for the play-offs, although they finished the season in eighth place, two places and 10 points worse than the previous season.
Although they will be without several key players like Arn Verschueren and Joshua Kitolano due to injuries, the return of Django Warmerdam to the team after injury can add an extra dimension to the attack. Also, players like Tobias Lauritsen, who has scored 12 goals this season, will be key to Sparta’s offensive efforts.
Sparta has a good away record, with 26 out of 49 points won away from home. They are expected to build on their steady form away from home and try to capitalize on opportunities to surprise Utrecht and achieve another success on their home turf.
Possible starting line-up Sparta Rotterdam:
Okij, Bakari, Vriends, Velthuis, Van Der Werf, Clement, De Guzman, Metinho, Saito, Lauritsen, Neglia
Betting proposal
Both teams score a goal (gg)
Both teams have shown the ability to score during the season and have quality strikers who can capitalize on opportunities. Considering the offensive potential of both teams and the desire to achieve a good result in this important match, it is likely that both teams will have a chance to get on the score sheet.
Odds 1.75
NOTE
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