Tottenham's recent possession has been more convincing as control than as a stream of clear chances. Ajax and AZ present a different interaction, with advanced passing positions opening space after turnovers. Cambuur and Go Ahead bring several direct connections into central finishers and supporting runners.
Fernandes and Tonali give Tottenham a platform to circulate against Palace's back three. Kudus supplies the individual threat out wide, but the recent Coventry and Chelsea wins contained relatively modest chance quality. Palace must first reach Mateta before their nearby attackers can become involved, and Tottenham have recently limited opponents' attacking volume.
Sarr is unavailable, Timber has only a possible minutes role and Mateta's workload is being managed. Henderson is cleared, while Maddison is available after reduced training. Palace's extensive cup rotation preserved much of their likely league unit, so this picture rests on the receiving and creation balance.
I expect longer Tottenham spells on the ball interrupted by selective Palace exits, with midfield control shaping the rhythm. That's why I'm siding with a restrained scoring game between Tottenham and Crystal Palace.
Ajax have actual alternatives through Brandt and Ouazane, Klaassen moving inward, direct supply to Arokodare and corner rebounds. AZ can reply through Patati's delivery to Meerdink and the Koopmeiners-to-Daal connection. Ajax's advanced shape offers a different attacking space from the deep block that restricted AZ against Twente.
Goes is available again to contest the central duel, while Oufkir's suspension removes an AZ attacking change. Smit remains absent, but the existing delivery routes survive. Blind and Berghuis are reported more likely to contribute from the bench than to provide the starting foundation.
Ajax should seek territory, with AZ looking for the forward pass after a regain. The trailing side's later commitments can add to the opportunities created by those different routes. That's why I'm siding with goals in Ajax against AZ Alkmaar.
Cambuur can find Binder's movement through Costarelli or Ceka and release Hamache behind the defence. Go Ahead's Tengstedt has received both Sivertsen's breakaway supply and a headed return from Suray, giving the visitors more than one route around Edvardsen. Those connections test central cover and the defence's response to the next ball.
Bouah returns from suspension and El Arguioui is reported able to play with a protective mask. Cambuur rested most league starters in the cup, while Go Ahead kept much of their attacking core together. The attacking case comes from those outfield combinations and restart receivers.
I expect a contest over the first useful forward pass, with wide service and supporting runs keeping both defences occupied. Later changes also offer fresh receiving and corner options. That's why I'm siding with goals in Cambuur against Go Ahead Eagles.
