Newcastle and Everton's recent cup meeting showed attacking access on both sides before and after personnel changes. Deportivo's technical carries meet Osasuna's pressing and wide delivery in another contest over the first escape. Benfica face a deeper defensive line, with their changes of receiver and wide combinations central to breaking it down.
Newcastle's Dedic and Murphy can supply Barnes and a central runner, while Everton have already connected Garner, Hackney, Dewsbury-Hall and Barry against this defence. Osula remains doubtful after playing the cup match, with Wissa the working replacement; Branthwaite is expected back for Everton, and their recent attacking route worked without Grealish. I expect Newcastle's pressure and Everton's replies to keep testing both boxes, which is why I'm siding with more goals in Newcastle against Everton.
Deportivo's Yeremay, Soriano and Amatucci offer actual penetration rather than an argument based on their scoreless result at Atletico. Nsongo has finished a rebound from Yeremay's carry, and the hosts also created close-range and late substitute chances at Atletico. Osasuna bring Ruben Garcia's service toward Budimir, with Moro's recent cup deliveries adding another wide option.
The listed absences on both sides continue from their latest cup squads. Noe's actual cup start and subsequent training supersede his older doubtful label, adding a further carrying option for Deportivo. I expect successful home escapes alongside away deliveries and second-ball chances, and I'm siding with Deportivo and Osasuna each finding the net.
Benfica can move Alverca's wing-backs and outer defenders through Prestianni's carrying, a changing wide receiver and Pavlidis's movement. Their halftime changes at Santa Clara produced completed combinations, while the Omonia match showed another route through an entry pass, Bah's arrival and Pavlidis attacking the rebound.
Several main Benfica players were spared a cup start and are projected to return. Alverca must replace the suspended Baseya, with Bojang discussed by the coach as the replacement; their previous starting attack remains relevant. I expect Benfica to keep changing the receiving point and build pressure across the match, and I'm siding with Benfica to win.
