Sporting Braga host Rio Ave in a Primeira Liga Matchday 23 match on Sunday (March 5).
The locals are coming off a 2-1 defeat at Vitoria Guimares on Monday (February 27). Tiago Silva and Safira scored first-half goals to give Guimares the lead, while Alvaro Djalo scored a consolation goal in the 88th minute before being sent off in injury time. His red card was the third of the game, with Braga in two, while Tiago Silva was sent off by the home team.
Rio Ave, meanwhile, picked up maximum points in a 1-0 home win against Chaves last weekend. Fabio Ronaldo scored the winner in the 54th minute.
The victory moved them to ninth place in the standings, with 27 points in 22 games. Braga, meanwhile, occupies third place with 49 points.
Braga vs Rio Ave Head to head and key numbers
- This will be the 55th meeting between the two sides, with Braga leading 24-15.
- Their most recent meeting in September 2022 saw Braga claim a 3-2 home win.
- Four of their last six matches have produced at least three goals.
- Braga have won their last nine home games in different competitions.
- Rio Ave are on a four-game winless run away from home, while their last seven competitive away games have produced two goals or less.
- Braga have only kept one clean sheet in their last nine games between competitions.
- Bra Shape Guide: LLWLW; Rio Ave Forms Guide: WLWLL
Prediction Braga vs Rio Ave
Braga have had a rough time in recent weeks, culminating in their elimination from the UEFA Europa League by Fiorentina. Their poor streak has also seen them lose steam in the title race.
With their last two games ending in road losses, the Archbishops will welcome a return to familiar surroundings. They have a strong record in front of their home fans, having won their last nine domestic matches at home. However, defensive fragility has been their recurring theme.
Braga have shown consistency in winning games where they are overwhelming favourites, so this trend could continue, and they should win comfortably.
prediction: Braga 2-0 Rio Ave
Betting Tips Braga vs Rio Ave
Tip 1 – Braga to win
Tip 2: Both teams score: No
Tip 3: Under 2.5 goals
Tip 4: Braga score more than 1.5 goals