The Estadio Municipal de Braga units the stage for a fascinating duel as Braga faces Benfica within the Primeira Liga, promising an enthralling battle between two intently positioned groups within the league standings.
The victor on this encounter will ascend to the highest briefly, awaiting the result of Sporting Lisbon’s conflict in opposition to Porto on Monday.
Match Preview
Braga, following their Champions League exit after a 2-0 defeat in opposition to Napoli, goals to rebound by seizing the highest spot within the league, even when fleetingly.
The staff, helmed by Artur Jorge, has showcased sturdy kind in home competitions, boasting a formidable report of 9 wins, two attracts, and two losses within the league. They sit only one level behind their upcoming opponents.
Their current league conquer Vizela marked their fourth consecutive win and prolonged their unbeaten streak to eight matches since mid-September.
Scoring prowess defines Braga, main the league with 36 targets, having netted two or extra targets in seven matches.
Nonetheless, they brace for a stern check in opposition to Benfica, regardless of having clinched a 3-0 victory over them at this venue final season.
Benfica, like Braga, witnessed their European marketing campaign conclude, setting them up for Europa League motion within the new 12 months.
The defending champions began their league season with an surprising loss to Boavista however regained momentum swiftly, remaining unbeaten within the subsequent 12 matches.
Nonetheless, after a stalemate in opposition to Moreirense and a draw in opposition to Farense, they relinquished their prime spot, aiming to reclaim it on this fixture.
Roger Schmidt’s aspect, identified for his or her solidity away from dwelling with 5 wins of their final six away matches and three consecutive clear sheets, seeks to safe a major consequence earlier than an prolonged interval with out going through top-four opposition till March 2024.
Type Information
Braga Primeira Liga Type: WDWWWW Braga All Competitions Type: WWDWWL
Benfica Primeira Liga Type: WDWWDD Benfica All Competitions Type: WWDWDD
Group Information
Alvaro Djalo is more likely to return to Braga’s lineup after being sidelined as a precautionary measure. Simon Banza, in red-hot kind with six targets in three league outings, leads their attacking cost.
Benfica faces absences on account of accidents with Alexander Bah, David Neres, and Juan Bernat sidelined, although the latter would possibly return after the New 12 months.
Angel Di Maria, the league’s prime scorer for Benfica, spearheads their midfield alongside Rafa Silva and Joao Mario, whereas Casper Tengstedt leads their frontline.
Doable Lineups
Braga Doable Beginning Lineup: (4-5-1)
Lima;
Mendes, Saatci, Oliveira, Borja;
Carvalho, Zalazar, Horta, Pizzi, Djalo;
Banza
Benfica Doable Beginning Lineup: (4-2-3-1)
Trubin;
Aursnes, Silva, Otamendi, Morato;
Neves, Kokcu;
Di Maria, Silva, Mario;
Tengstedt
Prediction: Braga 3-2 Benfica
Anticipate an electrifying encounter as two potent attacking sides collide. Braga’s current scoring spree and Benfica’s tendency to raise their recreation on this fixture recommend an entertaining battle. Nonetheless, the hosts would possibly edge previous The Eagles in an exhilarating goal-filled contest.
