Heerenveen and Feyenoord have working routes beyond the first press and into wide receiving positions. Elche and Betis present a different contest, centred on the first forward-facing midfield reception. In each match, the next runner after that reception gives the possession its value.
Heerenveen can use Kersten's pass into Smans and Vente, or Rivera's low supply to Trenskow. Feyenoord retain Read's width and Hadj Moussa's inward movement toward Valente, meeting a home defence recently exposed by low crosses and rebounds. Smans has already returned to substantial use; Watanabe is expected to start for Feyenoord, and Targhalline's reported availability follows an illness. With both attacks able to reach the spaces the other side must protect, I expect return attacks after the opening goal. That's why I'm expecting goals in Heerenveen against Feyenoord.
Betis can shorten their attack through a regain, Abde's delivery and a central finisher, as Ruibal demonstrated in Dortmund. Isco's service also gives them a restart route. Elche lose Lemar and Aguado from midfield, while Villar remains a possible starter despite his knock; Betis can restore lightly used Isco, Roca and Fornals. I expect their selected pressure to test Elche's central exits, with Ruibal offering a demonstrated change later in the match. That's why I'm siding with Betis, with a level finish returning that selection.
