Celta's meeting with Betis revolves around midfield reception and the space outside the home back three. Sparta's meeting with Ajax puts visiting possession against a compact defence with usable attacking outlets. Both games have functioning replacement roles that reveal more than the recent results alone.
Betis already created a close-range Antony-to-Parrott chance and substantial shooting opportunities against Feyenoord without Cucho. Roca and Fran Garcia started that match, so the current replacements have recent working evidence. Celta's advancing defenders help their attack, but their return from Glasgow was disrupted and their recovery preparation shortened. Bernal's suspension changes Betis's midfield cover; Celta's listed absences continue restrictions already present in Glasgow. I expect a contested opening followed by more demanding recovery runs for Celta. That's why I'm siding with Betis, with a level finish covered.
Ajax can move Sparta through Klaassen's inside movement, Rosa's advance and Brandt's reception. Sparta retain Toornstra and Babadi supplying Zonneveld, with Martes offering another arrival; those roles produced chances in their recent games. Mito remains out, while Ajax's principal listed absentees also missed the Atalanta squad. Leonardo and Arokodare offer different receiving routes, so the attacking picture survives the striker choice.
Ajax should have more territory, and Sparta can use the space behind the advancing fullbacks. Both sides have also exposed the next action after a turnover or clearance. That's why I'm expecting a game with plenty of goals between Sparta and Ajax.
