Braga vs Gil Vicente Prediction: Os Arcebispos Cannot Escape The Inevitable, A Breach In Defense!

Braga will host Gil Vicente at the Estádio Municipal de Braga in the 26th round of the Primeira Liga. 

Os Arcebispos will be eager to extend their winning run at home to four matches when they face Gil Vicente, a side they've only lost to in just one of their last fourteen matches. With Vitoria de Guimaraes breathing down their necks in the standings, they'll take this as an ideal chance to cement their position. 

Let's have a look at the latest Portuguese Primeira Liga predictions between Braga vs. Gil Vicente, probable lineups, match facts and betting odds for you to consider!

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

Braga

Form: DWWWL

Braga failed to do justice to their favorite tag last time out against Rio Ave to play out a goalless draw. Os Arcebispos were almost certain that the three points were theirs for the taking following Simon Banza's goal in the 64th minute, which was ruled out by VAR for offside. 

In light of this result, Os Arcebispos have avoided defeat in their last five matches across all competitions, with their most highlighted match during this run being a 3-2 win over Qarabag in the second leg of the Europa League round of 16, although it wasn't enough to see them avoid elimination from the tournament, dashing their hopes of clinching the prestigious trophy. Amidst the tranquil surroundings of home, Braga has emerged victorious in three consecutive matches while going five matches without defeat, and it's safe to say they'll be a tough opponent to overcome in this one.

With 50 points amassed in 25 matches played, Braga currently sits fourth in the Primeira Liga standings, three points ahead of fifth-placed Vitoria de Guimaraes and five points adrift of third-placed FC Porto. 

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-3-3

Lima; Mendes, Saatci, Oliveira, Borja; Moutinho, Carvalho, Fernandes; Banza, Bruma, Ruiz

Gil Vicente

Form: DDDWL

This season, Gil Vicente has shown significantly improved performance compared to the previous one, and if the cards on the deck are played right, they could be in for their sixth consecutive stint in the top flight next season. Gil Vicente has maintained a six-point cushion over the relegation play-offs, a spot currently occupied by Estoril Praia in 16th place.

Suffering the same fate as their opponents in this impending encounter, Gil Vicente could only manage to salvage a point against underdogs Chaves at home after playing out a goalless draw, extending their draw streak in the league to three matches. Away from home, they have been inconsistent, winning just two of their last twelve matches (L9 D1), and could likely struggle in this one.

With 28 points amassed in 25 matches played, Gil Vicente currently sits in eighth place in the Primeira Liga standings, level on points with ninth-placed Boavista and a massive twenty-two points adrift of their opponents in this impending encounter.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Andrew; Pinto, Pereira, Fernandes, Buta; Tiba, Gbane; De Souza, Neto, Toure; Correia

Match Facts

• Braga are currently unbeaten in their last five league matches at home.
• Gil Vicente has won one of their last fourteen matches against Braga.
• Braga averages 2.08 goals per game when playing at home, and Gil Vicente averages 0.92 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

In the last 29 meetings, Braga have won 16 times, Gil Vicente have won 5 times, and there have been 8 draws, with the goal difference being 46-26 in favor of Braga.

Expert Betting Tips

Braga will be eager to get back to winning ways following a disappointing goalless draw against Rio Ave last time out. However, they face a challenging task in achieving such a feat as they face a side they have recorded four wins against in the last eight meetings.

Considering they've conceded goals in ten of their last twelve home matches in the league, our inclination leans towards the belief that they may struggle to maintain a clean sheet. This increases the likelihood of Gil Vicente breaking through their defense. Therefore, we recommend backing both teams to score.

• Both Teams To Score - Yes for 1.80
• Handicap 1 (-1) for 1.66
• Anytime Goalscorer - Simon Banza for 1.99