Feyenoord Prepares for Crucial City Derby Against Sparta Rotterdam

Feyenoord is set to face local rivals Sparta Rotterdam in this match round. Earlier this season, Feyenoord secured a decisive 4-0 victory against the Kasteelclub. With the match taking place at their home ground, De Kuip, a win is imperative, especially considering it has been over forty days since Robin van Persie’s team last tasted victory. As Ajax steadily closes the gap for the second spot in the standings, the urgency for a win increases. Which eleven players will take to the field on Sunday afternoon?

**Expected Lineup for Feyenoord Against Sparta**
Feyenoord’s squad has been somewhat depleted over the past two and a half months, but it is gradually regaining strength at the beginning of the second half of the season. Sem Steijn and Givairo Read returned from injury last weekend, although Read has now been sidelined again due to a new hamstring injury. Jakub Moder has finally resumed training, and Anis Hadj Moussa is back in Rotterdam after participating in the Africa Cup, where Algeria reached the quarter-finals before being eliminated by Nigeria. Hadj Moussa notably provided two assists during the group stage of the tournament.

**Valente Returns to the Squad**
Feyenoord was without Luciano Valente during their match against SC Heerenveen, as the midfielder received two yellow cards in the previous encounter with FC Twente, resulting in a suspension for the first match after the winter break. In-beom Hwang filled in for Valente during that match. However, the 22-year-old playmaker is expected to return to the starting lineup against Sparta.

**Dribbler Hadj Moussa is Back**
During his time with Algeria, Hadj Moussa played several strong matches and contributed significantly, including providing two assists against Equatorial Guinea in the quarter-finals. Fans will be hopeful that he brings this form back to Rotterdam, as he is set to start for Feyenoord on Sunday. Meanwhile, Gonçalo Borges will have to settle for a place on the bench for the time being.

**Expected Lineup for Feyenoord**
Wellenreuther; Lotomba, Ahmedhodzic, Watanabe, Bos; Valente, Timber, Steijn; Hadj Moussa, Ueda, Sauer.

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