Sassuolo and Fiorentina can both attack wide, but many of their latest entries have ended without an accurate shot. Benfica should command territory against Alverca's back five, while Alverca can still run beyond the first press. In both matches, the quality of the next finish matters more than the raw number of attacks.
Fiorentina's Jiménez and Mastantuono can stretch Sassuolo, and Berardi and Laurienté can answer from the flanks. Sassuolo managed one accurate shot in each of its last two games; Fiorentina put only four of twenty-six attempts on target against Atalanta. Thorstvedt is newly suspended after playing against Lazio, while Fiorentina's listed defensive absences were already present when its current back four played Atalanta. Wide access should create phases for both sides, but the recent first-shot quality gives little support to a succession of clean finishes. That's why I'm siding with a lower-scoring Sassuolo–Fiorentina match.
Benfica can use Bah and Prestianni to serve Pavlidis and can find another shot after the first block. Alverca's Spencer and Chiquinho can release a runner into the space behind Benfica's fullbacks, as they did in stronger attacking outings. Baseya is suspended after starting the Arouca match, but Bojang has played emergency minutes as a replacement candidate; Benfica's listed starting-role losses were already accommodated in its last league lineup. Alverca have kept several stronger opponents close and have an independent reply through their wide outlet. That's why I'm siding with Alverca to stay within reach of Benfica.
