Expect Sparta to line up in their usual 4-2-3-1, with Bednarek in goal, a back four of Martes, Young, Verschuren, and Kuipers, and a double pivot of Baas and Toornstra. Terho, Mito, and Santos will operate behind Thorisson, who leads the line. That's a shape that can hurt teams on the counter, but it's also one that leaves space in behind the full-backs. Utrecht will likely mirror that 4-2-3-1, with Barkas between the sticks, Vesterlund, Horemans, Eerdhuijzen, and Zagre at the back, and Pohl and Offerhaus sitting deep. De Wit pulls the strings in the number ten role, with Alarcon and Cathline providing width and Stepanov leading the line.

The midfield battle is where this game will be won. Sparta's double pivot is solid but not spectacular — they'll sit deep and try to funnel play wide. Utrecht's Pohl and Offerhaus are more progressive, comfortable stepping forward and breaking lines. If Utrecht can dominate the middle, they'll create overloads in the half-spaces, and that's where Cathline and Alarcon can knife through. Sparta will look to hit on the break, with Mito and Terho running at a Utrecht back line that's missing key personnel. Set pieces could be a factor too — Utrecht have height in Eerdhuijzen and Stepanov, while Sparta rely on Toornstra's delivery.