Levante's willingness to send runners forward makes their first pass and the protection behind it central to the Athletic matchup. Athletic's running forwards have a more direct target here than a defence sitting permanently around its own box. Betis and Feyenoord bring a different contest, with each side retaining wide combinations that match openings the other has recently allowed.
Levante's recent concessions included a pressed backpass against Sevilla and an unmarked rebound receiver at Deportivo. Those are specific invitations for Athletic to recover possession and find Inaki or Navarro before the defence settles. Levante also showed a useful second-wave combination through Ratkov and Requena, so the battle includes the next ball after the initial press.
Guruzeta's new injury and Sancet's continuing absence change Athletic's box occupation, but their available running and pressing roles remain relevant. Nico is in the official squad, while the main case rests on players already used and the selected Simon, Paredes and Laporte defensive base. I expect Athletic to seek short attacks from recoveries, with substitutions changing the outlet and support later on. That's why I'm siding with Athletic.
Betis can find Isco between the lines and then isolate Antony, whose delivery supplied a goal against Porto. Feyenoord can answer through Read and Hadj Moussa, a connection that worked against Como, while Read also supplied Steijn against Telstar. Both teams have recently allowed opponents back into matches through wide delivery or a failed recovery.
Cucho's new absence changes the final receiver for Betis, with Parrott a replacement already used in recent matches. Isco and Antony are expected back after being rested, while Feyenoord's established absences leave their principal right-side supply intact. I expect the first goal to create another phase of attack and response rather than finish the contest. That's why I'm siding with goals continuing in Betis against Feyenoord.
