Utrecht's first forward pass can send its wide runners behind NEC's high line. NEC have a different route through Chery's central play and the second contact at corners. Both teams have recently answered an opponent's first goal, then struggled to end the next attack. That gives this match several ways to keep producing clear chances after the opening exchange.
Cathline and Alarcón can race into the space behind NEC's wide defenders. At the other end, Chery found Linssen from a corner against Omonia, and Tadic's later shot and pass produced separate follow-up finishes. Utrecht are still without Engwanda and Paredes, who also missed the Telstar match; NEC used Tadic and Sandler off the bench against Omonia, while Schuurs left that game early.
Utrecht's fresher press can create an early chance, and NEC's central pressure can make the reply. The corner, rebound and transition routes give the game more than one finishing phase. That's why I'm siding with a high-scoring match.
