Benfica Lisbon vs SC Braga Prediction & Betting Tips - Liga Portugal

Prediction published on 06/11/2020, 05:22  by Daniel Ngulu | Modified on 06/11/2020 at 05:23 in Liga Portugal Predictions

Benfica have really been exposed in the last two matches and when they play host to Sporting Braga in the Primeira Liga, they will be keen on a return to winning ways. Three points separate the two sides, Benfica on 15 and in second place while Braga, in third place, have 12 points. Benfica are coming from a very tough Europa League game, against Rangers FC, where they were forced to come from behind to draw 3-3, despite playing at home. They needed a last minute goal to earn a point from the game and had Nicolas Otamendi sent off. It was the second straight game they conceded three goals, after earlier losing 3-0 to Boavista, a result that saw them deposed from the top of the standings. They were in firm control before their last two matches, with seven straight wins, but the last five matches will leave a lot of questions over their defence. Benfica have two clean sheets in the last five matches but have conceded eight goals in the last five matches. They are however good at home and have won all their three league games there this season, as well as each of their last six tracing back to last season. In 12 of their last 15 home matches, Benfica have scored two or more goals, but they have just four clean sheets in the last 12 home league games.

Braga, on the other hand, had an even tougher outing on Europa League night, falling 4-0 away to Leicester City and they will be hoping to recover in a second straight away game. The defeat brought to an end a six-game winning run but their run of four straight wins in the league is well intact, and with three clean sheets too. In their six matches in the league, Braga have managed to score more than one goal in two matches but have conceded more than a goal just once. This compact composure is what they should carry to the Benfica game, as they face one of the highest scoring sides in the league so far. Braga have already tasted defeat away from home this season, falling 3-1 to FC Porto and though they have won the last two away league matches, in the long run they don’t impress on the road. Their last eight away league matches have produced just three wins. In the last league meeting between these sides, Braga emerged winners, but that happens to be their only win in 15 competitive matches against Benfica. Meanwhile, Benfica have won 13 of the 15 meetings.