Benfica Sporting Braga betting prediction

The away team comes to this group stage after having eliminated Boavista, with a away win by (1‑2). This is a team that usually maintains its competitive level in home and away matches, since in the last 30 matches they register 6 wins, 3 draws and 6 losses in away matches, with 16 goals scored and 19 conceded; against 6 wins, 4 draws and 5 losses at their stadium, with 25 goals scored and 19 conceded. In their last match, for the Primeira Liga, they got a home win against Vitória Guimarães by (2‑1). In the last 10 away matches Sporting Braga has won 4, tied 1 and lost 5. Defensive consistency hasn’t been their best feature, as they have conceded goals in 9 of the last 10 matches, but their offense has scored consistently, as they have scored goals in 8 of the last 10 matches. This is a team that has had a hard time trying to score first. They have opened up the score in only 3 of the last 12 matches, they have reached half‑time in front in 1 of those 3 matches and have held on to the lead in 2. In 12 matches, they have conceded the first goal 9 times but have turned the score around in 6. In the last 8 away matches for all competitions there is 1 period that stands out: they have conceded 5 of their 9 goals between minutes (16'‑30').

Braga arrives at this match motivated after having conquered a victory against Vitória de Guimarães, by (2-1): the goals were signed by Hassan and Paulinho. In this match against Benfica, coach Abel Ferreira should opt for a more defensive strategy with a low block, exploring only counterattacks: Ricardo Esgaio may be one of the most dangerous player in this type of transition. For this match the coach will not count on Wilson Eduardo and Marafona, both injured.

Confirmed Lineup: André Moreira, Ricardo Esgaio , Jefferson, Bruno Viana, Ricardo Ferreira, Fransérgio, João Carlos Teixeira, Danilo Barbosa, Bruno Xadas, Ahmed Hassan, Ricardo Horta .
Coach: R. Gomes Duarte.