Torino's flank supply and Monza's attacks after recoveries should make their meeting a contest of the next pass after a duel. Alaves against Malaga has a different shape, with repeated home deliveries meeting a visiting side short of important midfield connections. The useful distinction in both games is how territory becomes a shot and who can start the next attack.
Belghali finding Adams and Simeone is Torino's clearest route. Monza have their own connected attacks through Varela and supporting runners: the Cagliari match included midfield recoveries, forward combinations and supply from Ondoa. Torino's clean sheet at Parma required eight Perri saves and still allowed repeated access inside the box.
Monza's current squad restores Lucchesi and includes Touré and Zeballos, although selection does not establish a full workload. Pessina, Maye and Ziolkowski remain absent, as they were against Cagliari. Torino's new loss of Rodriguez mainly reduces cover behind the projected starting defence.
I expect physical midfield exchanges, early attempts to release the wings and further visiting attacks as the supporting roles change after the interval. Monza's functioning connections give them a persuasive route to stay level or do better. That's why I'm siding with Monza to avoid defeat.
Alaves can deliver towards Boye and a second striker, then use their midfield to collect clearances. Novoa's contribution against Celta and the later headed chances show that this route can survive changes of provider and box partner.
Malaga now lose Pablo Martinez, who supplied a goal, an assist and four key passes in their last match. Munoz also played in that match and is unavailable. Cajuste is in the travelling group and has trained, but his previous bench appearance brought no recorded minutes.
Malaga have already struggled to turn possession into dangerous chances across several opponents. That makes Alaves' ability to renew wide attacks the stronger route through this match, with replacements available to continue it after the interval. That's why I'm backing Alaves to win.
