SC Braga
- SC Braga are unbeaten in their last four home games in all competitions, W4, D0.
- Braga won their most recent home match 1-0 against Estoril Praia but were held to a 0-0 away draw by Santa Clara in their previous match and it's hard to fancy them at the current odds when Sporting are in such good shape.
Sporting
- Sporting are unbeaten in their last ten matches in all competitions, W7, D3.
- Sporting have avoided defeat in all three of their away games in all competitions, W1, D2.
- That's because Sporting, although unbeaten in their last 10, have come off back-to-back draws after a 1-1 away tie at Famalicao followed by a 2-2 home tie with FC Arouca.
Head-to-Head
- The Leões have won two of the last five head-to-head matches in Primeira Liga, while Braga haven't won either of their previous two at home to Sporting.
- But the Guerreiros do Minho do have four straight home wins in all competitions to their name and they can grab a point to contribute to the Sporting double chance at odds on.
- A 2-2 draw would be a repeat score of their most recent head-to-head in the Primeira Liga at Estadio Municipal de Braga.
Key Players
- Rui Borges has the Sporting team playing a high-intensity, flexible style that allows them to change shapes and really hurt teams in transition.
- Luis Suarez has been the main man with six goals in Sporting's last five games but with Pau Victor contributing two of Braga's five in the same number of games, the hosts can hurt them.
-
Carlos Vicens' men are possession dominant, but proactive and will look to pin Sporting in their own half and press high up the pitch when the ball is lost.
- Luis Suarez - six goals in Sporting's last five games.
- Pau Victor - two of Braga's five in the same number of games.
Betting Insights
- Sporting are the bookies' favorite to win this one, and deservedly so at 2.2, but SC Braga, at 3.2, are a touch under the odds while the tie is a big price at 3.35.
- Braga have shown a decent enough form with three wins, one draw and one defeat during that time.
- Under 2.5 goals is a smart alternative to the tie in the game result markets at 1.83.
Prediction
- This could be tight, so take the draw with Sporting.
- There's the added pressure of the Champions League on Sporting's mind and Braga will be feeling good about themselves after a strong European run, so this has the makings of a tight, strategic Primeira Liga game.
- A cautious approach is best: expect a low-scoring, competitive match where Sporting's vertical threat meets Braga's home intensity, and a draw or an Under 2.5 goals outcome looks sensible.