Alavés have several ways to reach their two forwards, with wide deliveries and later changes offering different final actions. Málaga's reduced creative options put more responsibility on the players who carry the ball out of pressure. Vitória's match should also feature sustained home territory, with full-back advances testing Marítimo's central block.
Rebbach and the right-sided options can stretch Málaga before Boyé and his partner attack the delivery. At Celta, Boyé put attempts on target, Mariano supplied an assist and Novoa added a goal after beating defenders. Pérez's return restores another right-sided choice, while Novoa's recent contribution provides a different way into the box.
Málaga are without Pablo Martínez and Muñoz, both of whom played against Sociedad. Martínez supplied Niño and scored the other goal, so his omission removes demonstrated creation rather than just a name from the squad. Alavés can keep circulating through Blanco and Ibáñez and use their available attacking alternatives as the match develops. That's why I'm siding with Alavés to win.
Vitória's full-backs can widen Marítimo's block and create room for Samu to connect with the striker. Their recent home games repeatedly reached the penalty area, while Marítimo's resistance against Porto required seven Vieites saves and still conceded repeated shots on target. Danilović and Yellu's absences reduce midfield alternatives, though the expected Alani, Guzzo and Dominguez group is the same trio used against Porto.
Ndoye's suspension return restores a forward option for Vitória, and the attacking case rests on the existing supply rather than a new starting role for Gustavo. I expect the home side to keep moving the ball across the block and sustain pressure through the second half. That's why I'm siding with Vitória Guimarães to win.
