Sparta vs Nijmegen Prediction 17 February 2026
🔊 In the 22nd round of the Eredivisie, the impressive runs of Sparta and NEC Nijmegen came to a halt. The key difference is that the Rotterdam side remains unbeaten, having drawn their last match, while NEC suffered a defeat away to a Utrecht team that hasn't been particularly strong this season. However, it's worth noting the attacking prowess of the visitors, who rank in the top two for scoring in the league. Both teams currently sit in the top five of the standings. Which club will maintain their position after this head-to-head clash? Let's dive into our prediction.
Head-to-Head
The last official encounter between the teams took place on 29 November 2025 and ended with a scoreline of 3:1. Here's a comparative breakdown of that match (home team - NEC Nijmegen):
- ball possession percentage: 52% vs 48%;
- corner kicks: 7 vs 6;
- fouls: 9 vs 13;
- yellow cards: 2 vs 4;
- shots on target: 7 vs 5.
📊Statistical preview of official matches between the teams Sparta and NEC Nijmegen:
- played 17 matches;
- number of wins for the home team - 7, for the away team - 4, draws - 6;
- number of goals - 18 against 16;
- average total in the 1st half - 1.06, in the 2nd half - 0.94;
- average total goals in the match - 2.
Head-to-head statistics Sparta - Nijmegen
Sparta Team Overview
The team's most recent official match took place on as part of the Eredivisie tournament (home team - Fortuna Sittard, away team - Sparta). The match concluded with a scoreline of 2:2.
Here's the game statistics (Sparta vs Fortuna Sittard):
- ball possession: 65% vs 35%;
- corner kicks: 13 vs 3;
- fouls: 10 vs 13;
- yellow cards: 1 vs 3;
- shots on target: 5 vs 3.
Sparta are putting on a commendable performance this season, currently sitting in 5th place in the table. The "Spartans" are particularly formidable at home, having gone unbeaten in their last seven head-to-head encounters against NEC Nijmegen on their own turf, meaning they have never lost to them at home during their shared time in the Eredivisie. The Rotterdam side favor an aggressive style of play, emphasizing ball control and frequent positional attacks. However, their defense remains a weak spot, conceding an average of 1.64 goals per game.
Match Results: Sparta
NEC Nijmegen Team Overview
The away team played their last official match on as part of the Eredivisie tournament (home team - NEC Nijmegen, away - Utrecht). The match concluded with a scoreline of 1:3.
Here are the match stats (NEC Nijmegen vs Utrecht):
- ball possession: 76% vs 24%;
- corner kicks: 5 vs 0;
- fouls: 6 vs 16;
- yellow cards: 3 vs 2;
- shots on target: 7 vs 5.
NEC are holding third place in the league, thanks to strong performances both at home and on the road. Up until the last Eredivisie round, they had been unbeaten since the start of December last year, but they suffered a heavy defeat against Utrecht in a rescheduled midweek match (1-4). In their most recent head-to-head clash with Sparta, NEC triumphed 3-1, showcasing their strength on home turf. Whether they can replicate that scoring prowess on the road remains a major question, as Sparta concede fewer goals (36 compared to 38). However, the attacking force of the upcoming visitors is truly impressive, averaging 2.59 goals per game.
Match Results: NEC Nijmegen
Latest news
Sparta
🎙 Sparta's head coach Maurice Steijn reflected on his future career: "I hope the door to top clubs isn't closed for me. I'm still ambitious and want to prove my abilities. We've had just one conversation with the management-it's early days. There will be more meetings. I'm satisfied with the current situation. Overall, everything looks good, and no other clubs are in the picture right now."
❌ Sparta's medical staff are doing an impressive job. Striker Vito van Crooij, who joined from NEC Nijmegen, has landed in the team's infirmary shortly after his transfer. He's only managed to play 28 minutes for his new club.
NEC Nijmegen
🎙 NEC Nijmegen's head coach offered a candid assessment of the team's chances for a direct spot in the Champions League. "Everyone knows I view the race for second place differently. I evaluate the team's development. To be realistic, I don't consider second place a feasible target for us," said Dick Schreuder.
❌ Nijmegen have one more injured player than Sparta. Frik Entius has yet to make an appearance this season, but given his status as a backup goalkeeper, it's unlikely to be a significant loss. However, the recent injury to key midfielder Sami Ouassissa in the last match could be a major blow to the team.
Prediction on the outcome
H2H:
- number of encounters - 17;
- home team wins - 7, away team wins - 4, draws - 6.
Statistics: Sparta vs NEC Nijmegen
- matches played in the tournament: 22 vs 22;
- wins: 11 vs 12;
- win percentage: 50% vs 55%;
- losses: 8 vs 5;
- draws: 3 vs 5.
Last 10 matches:
- wins: 7 vs 7;
- losses: 2 vs 1;
- draws: 1 vs 2.
Prediction on the over/under
H2H
- today's home team scores on average - 1.06, the guests - 0.94;
- average Over/Under goals in H2H matches - 2;
- both teams scored: overall - 7; at the home team's field - 2.
Statistics: Sparta vs NEC Nijmegen
- average total in the tournament: 2.95 vs 4.32;
- average total goals scored: 1.32 vs 2.59;
- average total in the 1st half: 0.5 vs 0.95;
- average total in the 2nd half: 0.82 vs 1.64;
- Sparta: average total at home in the tournament - 1.18;
- NEC Nijmegen: average total away in the tournament - 2.45;
- last 10 matches (average total): 1.9 (home - 1.2) vs 2.4 (away - 2.8).
- NEC Nijmegen have scored under 1.5 goals in last 7 away games against Sparta.
Prediction on corners
Sparta: Statistics
- season: average Over/Under in the tournament - 4.5; at home field - 4.55;
- last 10 matches: average Over/Under - 5.4; at home field - 5.4.
NEC Nijmegen: Statistics
- season: average Over/Under in the tournament - 5.23, away - 4.91;
- last 10 matches: average Over/Under - 5.1; away - 5.4.
- Over 10.5 corners in 8 of last 9 Sparta home games.
- Over 10.5 corners in 6 of last 7 Sparta home games (Eredivisie).
Prediction on BTTS
H2H:
- number of encounters - 17;
- both teams scored all-time - 7 times;
- on the home team’s field - 2 times.
Statistics: Sparta vs NEC Nijmegen
- number of matches played in the tournament: 22 vs 22;
- number of matches in the season where both teams scored (BTTS): 8 vs 18;
- number of BTTS matches for Sparta at home - 4 (36%);
- number of BTTS matches for NEC Nijmegen away - 10 (91%).
Last 10 matches:
- number of BTTS matches: 4 vs 9;
- BTTS matches for Sparta at home - 1 (20%);
- BTTS matches for NEC Nijmegen away - 5 (100%).
- NEC Nijmegen have scored and conceded in 15 of last 16 away games.
- NEC Nijmegen have scored and conceded in 12 of last 13 games.
- NEC Nijmegen have scored and conceded in last 10 games (Eredivisie).
Correct score prediction
Statistics of frequent results (current season):
- most common score in the tournament: 2:2 (25/199, 12.6%);
- Sparta at home most often finish matches: 1:0 , 2:0 (2/11, 18.2%);
- NEC Nijmegen away most often play: 2:2 , 3:2 (2/11, 18.2%).
Based on statistics and probability distribution, the algorithm predicts the top 3 outcomes:
1:1 - 10.34% (odds 7.5)
2:2 - 7.78% (odds 10)
1:2 - 7.72% (odds 9)
⭐ Editorial Prediction
Sparta continue their strong run, currently on a six-match unbeaten streak in the Eredivisie. However, they face challenges in converting chances, averaging only 1.31 goals per game despite their attacking play. On the flip side, NEC impress with their scoring prowess, ranking in the top two for goals scored this season. Yet, Nijmegen struggle in Rotterdam, with zero wins and failing to surpass a 1.5 total goals mark in seven encounters. Betting on the visitors' individual stats seems risky, considering Sparta's average of 1.64 goals conceded. A well-founded bet would be that Sparta will not lose.
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Betting Tips: Sparta - NEC Nijmegen
in 9 of last 10 games against NEC Nijmegen (Eredivisie).
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