Telstar's expected setup is a 4-2-3-1, with Ronald Koeman in goal and a back four featuring Gerald Alders, Abdelnor Soualhia, Marvin Peersman and Jeff Hardeveld. That's a solid, experienced spine. Hardeveld is noted as one of Telstar's leading creative players from set-piece situations — that's a genuine weapon. Nils Rossen and Tyrone Owusu sit in the double pivot, shielding the defence and launching the wide runners. Rui Mendes, Patrick Brouwer and Soufiane Hetli operate behind Jelani Seedorf, who leads the line. It's a shape built to press and break quickly, with full-backs pushing on and the number ten drifting into half-space.

Sparta's confirmed lineup from their recent derby was also a 4-2-3-1, with Filip Bednarek in goal and a back four of Lushendry Martes, Nick Verschuren, Bruno Martins Indi and Bas Kuipers. Jens Toornstra and Marvin Young anchor midfield, with Casper Terho, Ayoni Santos and Shunsuke Mito behind Noekkvi Thorisson. That's a side with quality — Martins Indi's experience, Toornstra's craft — but they looked disjointed against Feyenoord, and the derby defeat will have dented confidence. The midfield battle is key: Telstar's double pivot will look to disrupt Sparta's rhythm, while Sparta's wide men will try to stretch the home defence. Expect a tight, scrappy first half, with Telstar growing into the game as Sparta's legs tire.