Two sides in dire need of a victory face off at the Mandemakers Stadion on Saturday when RKC Waalwijk play host to fellow strugglers Sparta Rotterdam.

Both teams have only managed one league victory apiece this term and currently find themselves in the lower echelons of the Eredivisie table.

Match preview

© Reuters

Sparta Rotterdam ended a run of three straight defeats with a 1-1 stalemate against Groningen at the Het Kasteel on Sunday.

Henk Fraser's men fell behind to a Cyril Ngonge strike in the 28th minute but restored parity five minutes later thanks to Bryan Smeets.

Following a poor start to the season, De Kasteelheren remain in the relegation zone heading into this weekend's game, albeit only on goal difference.

Awaiting them next is a clash versus an opposing side who they have beaten in four of the last five meetings, including both of last season's encounters.

Waalwijk picked up a second consecutive point courtesy of an impressive 2-2 draw versus Feyenoord at De Kuip on Saturday.

Joseph Oosting's men fought back from a Jens Toornstra opener to take the lead heading into half time thanks to Jens Odgaard and Vurnon Anita, but Guus Til restored parity early in the second half.

Like their visitors, Saturday's hosts have also managed just seven points from their opening nine outings but are two places ahead due to a superior goal difference.

After narrowly preserving their top-flight status last season, RKC must turn a corner in the coming weeks to avoid being drawn into another relegation scrap.

Team News

Portuguese goalkeeper Joel Pereira will play no part for the home side due to a hernia problem, while David Min misses out through a knee injury.

Twenty-nine-year-old Richard van der Venne was forced off with an ankle injury earlier in the month and has not featured since then.

Having fully served his three-game suspension, Aaron Meijers is eligible to feature this weekend and is expected to be named in the starting XI.

Tom Beugelsdijk made his return to action last time out following his recovery from a thigh problem and could also be deemed fit enough to get the nod right from the off this time.

RKC Waalwijk possible starting lineup:
Vaessen; Touba, Meulensteen, Gaari, Buttner; Anita, Azhil, Bel Hassani; Odgaard, Bakari, Kramer

Sparta Rotterdam possible starting lineup:
Okoye; Meijers, Heylen, Vriends, Abels; Auassar, Osman, Thy; Van Crooy, Smeets, Emegha

We say: RKC Waalwijk 1- 1 Sparta Rotterdam

Neither team has made an ideal start to the campaign and securing all three points here could be a turning point. We are predicting the sides to cancel each other out, resulting in a share of the spoils.

Previews by email