Brentford and Forest both have clear ways to turn the first midfield contest into a chance. Brentford can use Thiago to connect wide delivery, while Forest can pressure the first pass and switch to a far-side runner. Rayo and Celta face a similar contest between early pressure and the outlet beyond it. In both matches, the second ball and the quality of the final touch should decide how much possession matters.
Forest's Muñoz-to-Williams far-post move has already produced a goal, with Gibbs-White and McAtee supplying another route toward Delap. Brentford's cup attack kept creating through Thiago and Jensen, but pressure on Kelleher's first pass at Hull and far-side exposure at Sunderland show where Forest can get in. Sunderland faced a rotated Brentford side, so the stronger link is Forest's own completed wide move. Ndoye played Forest's last match but is now doubtful; Williams, Gibbs-White and McAtee also logged real minutes. Brentford's known absences predate this match, and no return is assumed. Forest's compact back line and active wing-backs can keep a draw or better in reach. That's why I'm siding with Nottingham Forest.
Rayo should press high and feed its right side through Balliu and de Frutos, but its recent entries have too often lacked a clean final touch. Celta have shown other endings without Iglesias: runs behind the press, Jutglà's finish and deliveries from Álvarez, with Radu protecting the other end. Iglesias and Starfelt missed Celta's last game, and the replacement defence has already played together. Ciss played Rayo's preceding league match and is now suspended; Rayo also come from a cup tie that went to extra time. Celta have a workable first outlet and later supply against that pressure. That's why I'm siding with Celta Vigo.
