Sparta Rotterdam – AZ Alkmaar

Sparta Rotterdam host AZ Alkmaar in a clash that pits the league’s twelfth‑placed side, with just five points from one win, two draws and three defeats, against the second‑placed outfit sitting on 16 points after an unbeaten run of five victories and a draw. The Rotterdam side have struggled offensively, netting only ten goals while conceding 13, whereas AZ boast a potent 17‑6 goal difference, underscoring the gulf in form. A win for Sparta would be a rare boost in their relegation battle, but the Dutch champions will look to extend their dominance, having never slipped a point against the hosts in recent head‑to‑head meetings. The fixture promises a classic underdog versus title‑contender narrative as both teams chase their respective season objectives.