Can Braga's improbable run continue?
An in-form Bragaside take on third placed Sporting Lisbon on Sunday afternoon, raw from the departure of star man Bruno Fernandes to Manchester United for £47million up front (add-ons could push the fee up to £67.7million). The newly Portuguese League Cup winners are bidding for their second win in under two weeks over the visitors, having beaten Sporting 2-1 at the semi-final stage, thanks to a late winner from Paulinho. Despite their financial and board level troubles of late, Sporting have got it together somewhat this season and are two places above Braga in third, however the hosts will leapfrog them with a victory.
Ruben Amorim
The Ruben Amorim train of success seems unstoppable at the moment, he has won his first six matches in charge of the Archbishops and is setting them up as a force to be reckoned with the knockout stages of the Europa League on the horizon. The 35-year-old won the Primeira Liga three times in his playing career with Benfica and upon his recent scalp has now taken the League Cup crown as player and manager for Braga.
Since starting his reign with a thumping 7-1 win at Belenenses, he has overseen five wins by a one goal margin. The momentum has been building tremendously with three of those five victories coming due to a winner scored beyond the 90th minute, demonstrating the spirit instilled in the side from the top.
Paulinho
27-year-old Joao Paulo Dias Fernandes, or Paulinho, is having on a hot streak scoring five goals in four games in the lead to the League Cup final. He is a great focal point for the Archbishops with his hold up play, only getting dispossessed once per game on average, which is a great for a striker and says a lot about his excellent control of the ball. 16 goal involvements in 23 appearances (14G, 2A) is a good success rate with him only letting off 2.9 shots per run out so far this season.
Should a more direct style be applied in this encounter, Braga certainly have an advantage, the hosts average 3.4 more aerial wins per game than Sporting which is the fourth most in the division. Whereas the Green and Whites are 15thin the league on that statistic, and therefore may find it difficult to handle Braga’s aerial prowess.
With the gaping creative hole left behind by Bruno Fernandes clear to see and a good atmosphere at Estadio Municipal, the hosts should get over the line.
Braga – Sporting Lisbon Betting Tip
Braga to Win with Betfair at odds of 3/4.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Another late winner, Francisco Trincao scored the only goal of the game in the 76th minute. The Braga train rolls on!