Den Haag and Heerenveen have routes through pressure, but the final action deserves more attention than their latest winning scorelines. Atlético's meeting with Deportivo centres on territorial pressure against a connected midfield and a carrying outlet. Both contests call for separating the ability to reach a dangerous area from the ability to repeat decisive attacks.
Heerenveen's existing midfield and centre-back unit restricted Sparta and Excelsior, while ADO retain Rottier's connection with Eduardo. ADO's attacking expansion against PSV followed the opponent's dismissal. Heerenveen's large win also developed through an early penalty, a counter and late goals.
Smans is now officially unavailable after starting the previous match, with Meerveld named as his replacement. That exchanges a depth runner for a player who prefers receiving to feet. ADO also lose Barany's late box option, while Hokke returns from suspension. I expect useful escapes at both ends but interruptions before clear chances become repeated finishes, which is why I am siding with a more restrained goal count in Den Haag against Heerenveen.
Atlético have demonstrated wide-to-inside combinations through Grimaldo, Baena and Álvarez. Deportivo's answer comes through Yeremay drawing defenders and Nsongo attacking the released space, the sequence behind their Levante goal. Amatucci's return and Soriano's deeper role provide receiving options before that final connection.
Deportivo must replace Ede in central defence, while Atlético's new Cardoso injury narrows the central substitutes available behind Hjulmand and Barrios. Yeremay has current availability support after his injury-marked exit against Levante. I expect Atlético to hold more territory and Deportivo to alternate protected midfield spells with selective pressure, preserving their own attacking outlet. That is why I am siding with Deportivo to stay competitive and keep the margin close.
