AZ and Groningen both have ways to turn an opponent's first mistake into a short attack. Vitória and Porto present a more deliberate battle between changing defensive blocks and several routes of supply. Across these matches, getting beyond the first pressure is only useful when the next runner is found.
Groningen's Van Bergen and Willumsson provide a crossing and lay-off route into the areas AZ have recently failed to protect. AZ can answer through Stengs and Daal, with Meerdink already finishing a low delivery against Juventus. Groningen's recent handling and build-up errors came from members of the expected defensive unit.
Smit has made a substitute return, and Hoedt already replaced the injured Schouten during the last match. Groningen's reported defensive returns add choices around the existing unit. Early wide passes should draw pressure, with AZ's demonstrated attacking changes adding another route later. I'm expecting AZ and Groningen each to score.
Porto can combine through Rosario, Veiga and Froholdt before using the wing or an arriving midfielder. Froholdt's delivery supplied the winning second ball at Gil, while the Napoli match added combinations, corners and actual substitute contributions. Vitória's latest possession produced little clean finishing.
Pietuszewski is called up again after being unused against Napoli, and Porto's established attacking alternatives remain central to the case. Vitória's expected team largely preserves the last starting group. Their changing blocks should test Porto's patience before fresh supply and receivers become more influential. I'm siding with Porto to win.
