Braga vs Estoril Praia Prediction: There's Value To Be Found In Os Arcebispos Taking The Lead Before Half-time

Braga continue their quest for a second place finish as they host struggling Estoril Praia in the 27th round of the Primeira Liga at the Estádio Municipal de Braga.

Will Braga be able to win their sixth consecutive game against Estoril Praia, or will they suffer a dismal setback, jeopardizing their chances of closing the point deficit with second-place FC Porto?

Let's have a look at the latest Portuguese Primeira Liga predictions between Braga vs Estoril Praia, team news, probable lineups, match facts and up to date betting odds for you to consider!

Braga

Form: WDWWL

Os Arcebispos recently defeated GD Chaves 2:1 on the road, collecting an important three points in their effort to extend their unbeaten run to three games in the Primeira Liga.

So far in their previous five encounters, they've been in free-flowing mode, with no coherence worries to worry about, as they've only suffered one defeat while earning three victories, with their most significant clash this season being a scoreless draw at home against the FC Porto.

Their form at the Estádio Municipal de Braga has coincided with Artur Jorge's expectations, as they have been exceptional at home, going on a 6-match unbeaten run, recording 5 wins and a draw and will seek to extend that run to seven games.

With their composure maintained in the standings as they occupy third place with 59 points, they still have a comfortable 5 point lead against 4th place Sporting CP and can focus their attention in the meantime on a second place finish, which appears likely as they are two points adrift.

Team News

Braga have no injury concerns ahead of this match, and Artur Jorge is anticipated to field his strongest starting XI.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Lima; Gomez, Niakate, Tormena, Borja; Al-Musrati, A Horta; Medeiros, R Horta, Bruma; Ruiz

Estoril Praia

Form: WLLLL

The Canarinhos ended their three-match losing streak at home with a 1:0 victory over Gil Vicente, thanks to Alejandro Marqués goal in the first half. With that goal, extra caution was implemented as they were all about protecting their one-goal lead throughout the game by deploying a solid defense to ward off their opponents' threatening offense.

Not only did the triumph put a stop to their home woes, but it also snapped a six-game losing streak in the Primeira Liga, with their last win coming in February, a 2:1 victory against Boavista at home.

Ricardo Soars' men have clearly struggled for consistency in recent weeks, accumulating only three points in their last six games, leaving their ardent supporters dissatisfied as they failed to win in situations where they were clear favorites.

They are now occupying 15th place in the standings with 25 points, one place above the relegation playoffs and six points ahead of 16th-place Maritimo, and will surely need to pull their weight if they are to distance themselves from the drop zone.

Team News

There are no injury concerns for Estoril Praia ahead of this match. 

Joaozinho will be ineligible for selection because he is still serving his three-match suspension.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Figueira; Santos, Vital, Alvaro, Araujo; Ndiaye, Carvalho; Eduardo, J Marques, Gouveia; A Marques

Match Facts

• Braga has won three games in a row at home against Estoril Praia.
• Estoril Praia are currently on a 7-game losing skid in the Primeira Liga when playing away.
• Braga averages 1.92 goals per game at home, while Estoril Praia averages 0.77 goals per game away.

Head-To-Head

Braga has won 14 of the last 19 matches, Estoril Praia has won three, and there have been two draws with a goal difference of 42-12 in favor of Braga. 

Expert Betting Tips

With the days counting down until the end of the 2022/23 Primeira Liga season, Os Arcebispos have found something meaningful to play for as they look to dethrone FC Porto from second place.

Estoril Praia have little to bank on in this match since their away form has not been encouraging, losing 7 consecutive games, and will undoubtedly struggle to get anything out of this match against a side that has been in form recently.

As a result, a Braga half-time win is expected, as they have won 5 of their last 7 games in the first half versus Estoril Praia, and given that their opponent has seen a goal being scored in 6 of their first half games, the same pattern should be expected here as well where Os Arcebispos should emerge to an early triumph.

• Half-time Result - Braga for 1.80
• Goals - Under 3 for 1.78
• Both Teams To Score - No for 1.81