Sparta Rotterdam v RKC Waalwijk
Football: Netherlands, Eredivisie 2009/2010
Sunday, 13th September 2009 - Kickoff 13:30

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Sparta Rotterdam (14th) 1-1-3 2:7

Sparta had difficulties scoring goals, as they failed to score in 4 of their 5 matches so far. Their play is not bad, most talented players stayed and the experienced players who were not going to play under new manager Adelaar left to Jupiler league.

Young 19 Year old midfielder Strootman is still playing for Sparta, after AZ and FC Utrecht failed to make acceptable offers for him. Not weird those clubs were after him as he's one of the talented youngsters in the Eredivisie.

The other talented Sparta midfielder Falkenburg started on the bench this season, but when he came on as a sub at halftime against Willem II, and helped the team overcome a 0-1 to a 2-1 score, he is a regular again.

So the praised midfield of last year's team is sort of back in business, where the only difference now is Rutjes for Slot.

For their scoring problems, Sparta have brought in Twente forward Denneboom and Ajax striker Bodul, both on loan. These players are additions that can relieve the pressure of lone striker Poepon, the only capable long-term goalscorer in the team.

With these additions goals will be gotten easier, of course it can take some time before they perform, but still these are good additions for a club like Sparta. Defence is stabile, not a killing defence, but held Ajax goalless (with luck) in the Arena, and all capable of doing their defensive task. When they are rolling, avoiding relegation or play-outs should be more then achievable.

RKC Waalwijk (18th) 0-0-5 2:15

For RKC that's a different story. After last year's promotion through play-offs they are barely strenghtened, meaning they're still a team that wasn't even good enough to promote directly.

And the results are showing that with 5 losses and a 2:15 goal difference. It must be noted they have had a very tough schedule so far, playing 4 clubs of current top-6 already.

But RKC's last match against ADO was just poor again, no individual class, no good bench and a lack of spirit. This will be a long season for them, and so far they can be compared to FC Volendam last season, who lost their first seven matches and couldn't manage to stay up after a huge fight for survival.

RKC has tried to strengthen their squad before the deadline, they signed defender Jurgen Colin and have loaned Luirink and Agustien of AZ and striker Idabdelhay of NAC for a season. To be honest, these players are not going to keep RKC in the Eredivisie, and even though some of them may be talented, the real difference can't be expected of them.

THe Betting Verdict

On first sight a match between two relegation-candidates, but when you look at it a bit closer, it's not really the story. RKC are already bottom of the table, with no real improvement in sight.

Sparta on the other hand are improving, don't play a really changed game compared to last season, and have just way more potential then RKC.

RKC has a weaker player on every position on the pitch, even compared to Sparta. The only chance will be lurking for a goalless draw as long as possible, but as they don't have the defence to keep it tight at the back, I don't see any other outcome then another loss for RKC.

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take Sparta Rotterdam to win @ 1.70