Paderborn and Stuttgart bring two different ways of getting beyond the first pressure. Manchester City and Brighton also have established attacking connections among the players available for cup rotation. These matches put the pass after a recovery and the movement of the next receiver at the centre of the contest.
Stuttgart can press early and connect Stiller's distribution with Führich's delivery and Demirovic's receiving. Paderborn have already reached this opponent's box through direct passes, second balls and Curda or Obermair supplying from wider positions. Their latest substitutes also produced a Götze-to-Philippe scoring connection.
Paderborn's club update includes Vidovic among those involved, while their established absences leave other recently used connectors available. Stuttgart plan to use Bredlow in goal, with the main outfield supply roles retained in the projected team. I expect Stuttgart's early pressure and Paderborn's longer releases to create different attacking phases. That's why I'm backing Paderborn and Stuttgart each to find the net.
City have recent attacking execution without Haaland: Lewis supplied Foden's runs against AEK, and their cup alternatives also connected through forward passes and wide movement. Brighton's earlier cup side escaped pressure diagonally before bringing Gross and wide runners into useful positions.
City's reported rest plan changes their striker, goalkeeper and several protection roles. Brighton are assessing Kadioglu and Andres, while Minteh and Wieffer are options rather than assumed starters. I expect the opening passes to be tested, followed by chances when either side carries beyond that pressure. That's why I'm backing goals in Manchester City against Brighton.
