Osasuna's direct play and second-ball support meet Athletic's compact pressure and forward runners. Excelsior have a direct outlet of their own against Go Ahead's wide-to-central combinations. Both matches turn on reaching the receiver before the defensive unit can reset.
Athletic have an executed Nico-to-Iñaki connection and Navarro's carrying after Sannadi's early departure. Sannadi and Guruzeta are unavailable, while Sancet and Galarreta are in the current squad; Vivian and Laporte preserve the starting central partnership. Osasuna's continuing losses include Oroz, leaving Moi and the remaining midfield to connect with Budimir. I expect an early contest for direct balls followed by greater importance for Athletic's alternative receivers and control options. Their active connections against Osasuna's recent difficulty sustaining exits put me with Athletic Club.
Go Ahead's Sivertsen and Suray have supplied Tengstedt moving around Edvardsen, a route that tests Excelsior's documented box coverage in matches played at full strength. Groen's suspension changes Excelsior's central forward, with Garden a projected alternative; Go Ahead's Marsman and Saathof absences continue without newly breaking the recent starting chain. Both sides have had recovery time. Go Ahead should seek those deliveries from the opening phase and keep the central movement active as the benches enter. That more repeated supply is why I'm siding with Go Ahead Eagles.
