Lens can force Paris back with early pressure, but Paris have a direct way through the first wave. Lazio can press Parma's build, while Parma retain central and wide exits for a reply. Columbus should hold territory against Toronto, whose direct runners can attack the space beyond the wingbacks. These contests turn on whether pressure creates a second clean finish or leaves room for the other side's response.
Lens still have Thauvin supplying Ivanovic, but their back line has been opened after opponents escaped pressure in recent European matches. Ganiou and Gradit remain out of the current squad, and Edouard is omitted after playing at Brugge; Paris retain the Sinayoko-to-Lopez link and longer recovery. Lopez or Lees-Melou can move the first ball into Kebbal before Lens reset. I'm siding with Paris to have the stronger route through the match, with a level finish still a fair outcome.
Lazio can catch Parma's short pass and find Zaccagni or Isaksen wide. Parma's Keita and Bernabé played against Torino, with Bernabé and Valeri supplying the box despite the score; their listed forward absences had already missed that match. Lazio's recent big win at Juventus came through a restart and efficient transitions, and Monza still found a second-half reply against them. I'm siding with Parma to stay within a narrow Lazio win or take a result.
Columbus can reach Méndez and Rodríguez inside, but five of their core players went the full cup final and their cup possession yielded few shots on target. Toronto's Laryea and Kuscevic return, while Zimmerman remains out; Corbeanu and Salloi offer observed wide and late releases. Toronto can make the Crew wingbacks turn after a recovery rather than absorb every attack. I'm siding with Toronto to stay close enough that a single Columbus goal does not decide this selection.
