Eredivisie | Gameweek 34

May 18, 2025 at 1.30pm UK

Sparta-Stadion Het Kasteel

Sparta Rotterdam vs PSV

Match preview

Less than a month ago, the Eredivisie title race appeared to be all but over, with Ajax requiring just six points from their final five games to be crowned Dutch champions for the first time since the 2021–22 top-flight campaign.

However, following their 4-0 defeat to Utrecht in a rescheduled matchday 31 fixture on 20 April, Ajax have endured a historic collapse, taking just two points from their last four matches and blowing the title race wide open.

During that time, PSV secured four consecutive victories to close the gap. After scoring four goals against Heracles in the midweek match, they reclaimed the top spot in the league table, while Ajax stumbled against Groningen later the same day.

The Boeren now need one more victory to defend their title, and they enter this match with solid momentum, having won six games in a row and lost only one of their last nine since early March.

While Sparta have also been in good form over the last couple of months, PSV have been particularly impressive lately, scoring two or more goals in nine of their last 10 league games, including three in each of their last four away matches.

While the battle at the top of the table has received all of the attention in recent weeks, Sparta have also enjoyed an impressive comeback. They spent the entire first half of the season bouncing in and out of the relegation zone.

However, all that changed after the February international break, as De Kasteelheren put together a stunning seven-match unbeaten run, including four wins and three draws. This took them into mid-table.

After beating the now-relegated Almere City 3–0 and drawing with Utrecht last week, Maurice Steijn's side are now on 39 points, just one below a potential Conference League play-off spot.

Unfortunately for the hosts, who have lost only one of their last seven matches at Sparta-Stadion Het Kasteel, they now have to face a PSV side with all the momentum who will undoubtedly give their all in search of a victory — and the title.

Recent Performance

Sparta Rotterdam Eredivisie form:WWDLWD

PSV Eindhoven Eredivisie form:WWWWWW

Team News

Patrick van Aanholt has missed the last two games for Sparta Rotterdam due to an unspecified injury, so Mike Kleijn is expected to continue in the defensive quartet in front of Nick Olij.

After failing to score in three games, Tobias Lauritsen found the net again against Utrecht last week, bringing his total to 10 for the season. He is expected to continue leading the line here, alongside Mitchell van Bergen and Mohamed Nassoh.

PSV will be able to welcome back right-back Richard Ledezma to the squad this weekend, having served a suspension for an accumulation of yellow cards in midweek.

However, the visitors will be missing several key players due to injury, including Ismael Saibari, Jerdy Schouten, Rick Karsdorp, Lucas Pérez, Wessel Kuijntjes and the long-term absentee Ricardo Pepi.

Possible starting lineup

Sparta Rotterdam possible starting lineup:

Olij; Bakari, Young, Eerdhuijzen, Kleijn, Hlynsson, Zechiel, Clement; Nassoh, Lauritsen, Van Bergen

PSV Eindhoven possible starting lineup:

Benitez; Ledezma, Flamingo, Boscagli, Junior; Saibari, Veerman, Tillman; Perisic, De Jong, Lang