Groningen and Sparta retain several ways to reach the box, while their recent defensive changes have yet to demonstrate better protection. Crosses and the next ball after a regain should matter in that contest. Lyon and Angers present a different structure, with more possession expected for Lyon and fewer established central attacking connections across the two teams. Their meeting looks more selective in its clear chances.
Groningen can supply Willumsson through Thom van Bergen's service and Rente's restarts. Sparta retain Babadi's delivery into Zonneveld and Toornstra, giving them a route out of their deeper shape. Hernes was injured after entering the cup match and now reduces Groningen's midfield cover; Mito is only a possible later addition for Sparta, whose scoring connections already operated without him.
The returning defensive names do not by themselves establish repaired coverage after an attacking loss or an equaliser. As the game develops, either side's push for the next goal can leave another crossing or transition opportunity. That's why I'm backing goals in Groningen against Sparta.
Lyon must coordinate Nuamah's movement with runners beyond him against Angers' compact centre. Morton and Himbert appeared against PSG but are now unavailable, adding to the changes in central distribution and finishing. Angers retain Lefort and Camara from the low-chance Lorient match but lose El Ouazzani, who started it before going off injured.
That points toward Lyon circulation, selective box arrivals and occasional Angers outlets through Sbaï and Peter. The combined limitations on sustained central supply carry more weight than Angers' earlier heavy scorelines. That's why I'm backing a restrained goal count in Lyon against Angers.
