Le Mans and Estrela both face opponents with several ways to change the receiving arrangement. Le Mans seek short attacks from pressure, while Estrela can settle behind the ball and release runners into the channels. The important contest is how the visiting teams move the block before finding their next receiver.
Monaco's recent European match showed wide play reaching Detourbet, a Vanderson cross finding Balogun, and Abline carrying into space. Those are distinct solutions against Le Mans, whose latest possession at Troyes produced very little shooting and whose box defence conceded repeated entries.
Fati and Idumbo are excluded from Monaco's travelling squad, but the demonstrated wide and running alternatives travel. Camara was unused in the European match, with several other options receiving shorter appearances. Monaco should have opportunities to move beyond the opening press and make Le Mans' wingbacks retreat. That's why I'm siding with Monaco to win.
Benfica have changed blocked games through Prestianni's service to Pavlidis, combinations with Lukebakio and Echeverri's movement behind a defender. Estrela have reached the box recently, but many of those attempts have been blocked or poorly directed. Their central spacing was also breached by Casa Pia's carry.
Lenglet is back in Benfica's reported squad after missing Europe. Pavlidis, Bah, Dahl and Soares were unused substitutes in that match, while several other expected league contributors appeared only later. Estrela's reported returning options add depth around their existing attacking core. Benfica can keep changing the angle of supply as the match develops, which is why I'm siding with Benfica to win.
