This weekend, Braga and Benfica will clash at Estadio Municipal de Braga in a much-anticipated Primeira Liga match. Both clubs are vying for key points as they look to secure a top-four finish in the standings as the year comes to a close.
Match Preview: Braga vs Benfica
Braga enters this fixture after a convincing win against Caldas in the Taca de Portugal quarter-finals, where they secured a 3-0 victory. This result comes as a much-needed boost following their recent 1-0 defeat to Estoril Praia in the Primeira Liga, which broke a four-game winning streak.
Overall, Braga has had a strong run, with seven wins and four draws in their last nine fixtures across all competitions, with only one loss. This places them fifth in the Primeira Liga, just one point behind Gil Vicente in fourth. A victory in this match could help Braga climb into the esteemed top four.
Home Form
Braga has demonstrated impressive home form this season, winning six of their last seven matches at home in all competitions. However, they are currently experiencing a three-match winless streak at home, with their most recent clash ending in a 1-1 draw.
Benfica’s Situation
Benfica comes into this match with a confident mindset. They are unbeaten in their last nine games, winning seven of those encounters, including their latest 1-0 victory against Famalicao, courtesy of a penalty from Vangelis Pavlidis. However, they are still trailing behind Sporting Lisbon, sitting in third place, three points off the pace, and remain eight points behind league leaders Porto.
Benfica’s challenge of staying competitive at the top of the table has stemmed from their inability to convert draws into wins, particularly against stronger opponents from last season’s top four. Nevertheless, their away form is robust, with six victories secured from seven league matches on the road this season, only dropping points in a draw against Porto.
Injury Updates
Braga will be without striker Amine El Ouazzani, sidelined due to a metatarsal fracture. Defender Gustaf Lagerbielke’s status is uncertain since he was substituted in the last match, and Sikou Niakate is on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.
For Benfica, Tomas Araujo is uncertain for this match due to injury, with Antonio Silva ready to step in if needed. Dodi Lukebakio and Leandro Barreiro will also miss out due to their respective injuries. Striker Henrique Araujo is still on the mend from a muscle issue, while Bruma and Alexander Bah continue their rehabilitation from long-term injuries.
Predicted Lineups
Braga Starting XI
- Hornicek
- V Carvalho, Oliveira, Arrey-Mbi
- Gomez, Moutinho, Gorby, Lelo
- Victor, Navarro, Horta
Benfica Starting XI
- Trubin
- Dedic, Silva, Otamendi, Dahl
- Barrenechea, Rios
- Aursnes, Sudakov, Prestianni
- Pavlidis
Match Prediction
With both teams in solid form, the matchup is expected to be closely contested. The previous meeting ended in a 1-1 draw, yet with Benfica riding high on momentum, they may edge Braga by a score of 2-1 this time around.
