Both fixtures can be shaped by a wide first entry and the ball that follows it. Sassuolo and Fiorentina each have dangerous receivers outside, while Lorient's back three will meet Brest's wider supply. The team that controls the clearance should get the more useful second box touch.
Fiorentina's Jiménez delivered to Njie against Atalanta, and Njie then found João Mário for another goal. Sassuolo's Thorstvedt is suspended after the last match, while Idzes did not play that match and his reported return is unsettled. Fiorentina's replacement central pair already played together, and its wide receivers had real recent minutes. I expect their second deliveries to trouble Sassuolo's changing central cover. That's why I'm siding with Fiorentina to win.
Lorient have defended well in a back three, but their last attack at Angers produced only one shot on target. Brest's Magnetti, Chotard, Lala, Locko, Doumbia and Ajorque all had recent minutes and connected several attacks against Nice. Chardonnet remains absent, while Lloris and Tousart already played together in the most recent match. Brest can meet Lorient's first release and return the ball to its own wide receivers. That's why I'm siding with Brest to avoid defeat.
