Celta have working wingback and striker connections even without their missing regulars. Levante can change the midfield picture by bringing Romero toward the ball and keeping wide outlets available. Utrecht and NEC bring a more direct meeting of attacking ambition and weak protection after possession changes. Both have shown ways to respond after an initial setback.
Celta's recent lead against Union was followed by central combinations reaching behind their cover. Levante's last defeat still contained genuine box chances, with Requena and Eyong denied. The latest official squads retain Celta's existing alternatives and restore Levante's Bardeli and Sotelo as limited-minute options, while Manu Sanchez remains unavailable.
Celta have fresh attacking options, but Levante's extra midfield connection and later receiving alternatives support continued contact through the match. That's why I'm siding with Levante to keep the margin close, with protection for a narrow defeat.
Utrecht want to disrupt NEC's construction and attack the spaces beyond it. NEC answer through Chery's delivery, Linssen's movement and supporting runners, with Tadic already verified as a later supplier. His return does not require him to share the pitch with Chery.
Barkas is expected back after Padt started at Telstar, while Schuurs's early European injury has forced another defensive adjustment for NEC. I expect pressure, replies and fresh attacking connections after halftime. That's why I'm siding with a higher-scoring Utrecht–NEC match, keeping the whole-number cushion.
