Lens should press Como's short buildup and push their wingbacks into the attacking half. Como's passing through midfield can release Paz and Couto behind that pressure. PSV should start aggressively and recycle the first blocked attack. Club Brugge can turn a clearance into a direct run through Forbs or service toward Tresoldi.
Lens have Thauvin and Hazard available for close combinations, but their recent pressure against Brugge and Lille did not reliably become a finish. Como's Paz, Baturina, Couto and Douvikas all played the last match, and Paz with Couto supplied two comeback goals at Torino. Como's public absence list mostly concerns players who also missed the Venezia game; its current first attack remains in place. I expect that group to find a second chance after Lens's first pressure, so I'm siding with Como.
PSV's left side can make an early entry, while Brugge's Vanaken, Tresoldi and Forbs have already shown a fresh counter route after conceding against Inter. Ordóñez has been absent throughout Brugge's recent run. Pepi came off the bench to score and assist for PSV, and the coach says he is fit to start, though the starting group is unconfirmed. PSV's pressure yielded only one goal against Porto and Feyenoord, so Brugge's repeat outlet matters after the first exchange. That's why I'm siding with Club Brugge to avoid defeat.
