Since returning from the Winter break, Sparta have seen no let off in terms of their form. They’re in sixth place, only two points off Ajax and the title-chasing top five.

They have experience at the back in Adil Auassar and Bart Vriends, and they have plenty of goal threat. Tobias Lauritsen is a tall Norwegian striker who has won over nine aerial duels per game, which is almost double his nearest competitor; he is important in the build-up play with his flick-ons to onrushing teammates, and he has a great finish on him, too. Vito van Crooij is having an excellent season from the wing, and on loan Koki Saito is the latest to have some form in front of goal; the tricky winger was important in Sparta’s 0-3 win at Cambuur last time out.

RKC didn’t play at the weekend with their fixture called off because of the snow. I don’t think the ‘extra rest’ would have helped them in terms of sharpness, and actually, whilst I was waxing lyrical about this side earlier in the season, the Waalwijk side have not looked the same lately.

RKC aren’t blessed with strong defenders in the air. If Lauritsen can occupy a couple of these players, it’ll be up to the players around him to work some magic and continue this almost miraculous season for Sparta.