Braga vs FC Arouca Prediction: Os Arcebispos Looking To Baptize The Arouquenses On Home Turf

Braga will welcome FC Arouca to the Estádio Municipal de Braga in the 28th round of the Primeira Liga. 

Braga have been a force to be reckoned with at home, avoiding defeat in their last six matches (W4 D2), and will be aiming to continue that impressive run as they eye an eight-consecutive win against FC Arouca. Let's have a look at the latest Portuguese Primeira Liga predictions between Braga vs. FC Arouca, probable lineups, match facts and betting odds for you to consider!

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

Braga

Form: WWDWW

In the most recent round of the Primeira Liga, Os Arcebispos were involved in an eight-goal thriller against Portimonense SC at the Estádio Municipal de Braga, which saw them secure a three-pointer, defeating Paulo Sérgio's team 5-3.

Os Arcebispos has typified consistency in the league, where, apart from their two-match winning streak, they have gone six matches without suffering defeat, recording five wins and one draw. The last time they suffered a defeat in the league was on February 11th, losing 5-0 to league leaders Sporting CP.

With 56 points accumulated from 27 matches, Braga sits in fourth place in the Primeira Liga standings, three points ahead of fifth-placed Vitoria de Guimaraes and two points adrift of third-placed FC Porto.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-4-2

Matheus; Mendes, Saatci, Niakate, Gomez; Fernandes, Moutinho, Zalazar, Bruma; Banza, Ruiz

FC Arouca

Form: WLLWW

FC Arouca, on the other hand, managed to return to winning ways, narrowly defeating Farense 2-1 at the Estádio Municipal de Arouca. This win couldn't have come at a better time for Daniel Ramos' team, who put an end to their two-match losing streak in the league as they enter this match with renewed confidence. 

The Arouquenses have lost three of their last ten league matches (W7) and will want to build on this to record their second consecutive league victory. 

With 37 points accumulated from 27 matches, FC Arouca sits in seventh place in the Primeira Liga standings, six points ahead of eighth-placed Famalicao and five points adrift of sixth-placed Moreirense.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Arruabarrena; Esgaio, Galovic, Montero, Weverson; Santos, Simao; Jason, Gonzales, Sylla; Mujica

Match Facts

• Braga are currently on a seven-match unbeaten run across all competitions.
• FC Arouca has failed to score in just two of their last eight away matches in the Primeira Liga.
• Braga averages 2.08 goals per game when playing at home, and FC Arouca averages 1.69 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

In the last 17 meetings, Braga have won 12 times, FC Arouca have won 1 time, and there have been 4 draws with a goal difference of 36-7 in favor of Braga.

Expert Betting Tips

It's a bitter pill to swallow, but Braga will need to adjust to life without Artur Jorge after his move to manage Brazilian side Botafogo. Os Arcebispos enter this match boasting a four-match winning streak at the Estádio Municipal de Braga, and they aim to clinch their fifth consecutive victory under Manager Rui Duarte's leadership, marking his first win since taking charge.

Despite being favorites to secure a three-pointer, we don't envision Braga keeping a clean sheet in this one, following a disastrous showing in defense against Portimonense, who scored three goals. As such, we anticipate both sides to get on the scoreboard in what will turn out to be a highly entertaining affair with goals galore.

• Both Teams To Score - Yes for 1.71
• Total - Over 3 for 1.82
• Asian Handicap - Braga -1.0 for 1.67