Den Haag want to hunt the first pass and drive directly at the space behind a high fullback. Heerenveen want a clean midfield receipt before using their wide runners. Both approaches can create a box entry, so the first pass after each press is the central contest.
Den Haag's Eduardo and Rottier have punished open space and a recycled free kick, but their recent volume has depended on unusual score states. Heerenveen have brought goal-directed chances away from home through Linday, Courtens, Trenskow and Rivera. Their press can also force Den Haag into long releases before the home side gathers a second ball.
Smans and Proper are out for Heerenveen; Meerveld has already supplied a chance from the bench and can connect the central play. Den Haag's Reischl and Bárány were absent from the PSV squad, while Hokke's return helps the home cover. I expect Heerenveen to get repeated wide entries once a midfield receiver clears the first pressure wave. That's why I'm siding with Heerenveen to win.
