Braga will aim to extend their fine run when they travel to Estoril Praia this weekend for round 30 of the Primeira Liga, as they look to tighten their grip on third place in the standings.
The Archbishops have picked up four wins in their last five matches, taking their tally to 60 points, which keeps them just one point ahead of fourth-placed Porto in the battle for a top-three finish.
Match preview
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A commanding 4-1 win at Estadio Municipal de Braga was the latest highlight in what has been a strong period for the Archbishops, who asserted their authority from the first whistle.
Carlos Carvalhal's men struck early through Ricardo Horta before Uros Racic added a quickfire brace to put them in complete control, and although Rafael Rodrigues reduced the deficit on the stroke of half time, Amine El Ouazzani came off the bench to net a late fourth and secure a sixth straight league victory at home.
Braga have also been impressive on their travels, with nine wins from 14 away games placing them as the second-best side on the road this season, underpinned by a defence that has shipped just eight goals – the fewest in the division.
Their relatively modest return of 18 away strikes, the least among the top four, has therefore proved crucial given the solid base behind them.
However, the visitors have shown signs of inconsistency on the road lately, with only two wins in their last five trips – a concerning trend for Carvalhal to address ahead of Friday's outing, particularly given that his side failed to win the reverse fixture.
Braga had raced into a two-goal lead in that encounter back in December but were ultimately held to a 2-2 draw, though the fact they have won on their last two visits to Coimbra da Mota should offer a boost.
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Estoril, on the other hand, come into this clash off the back of a 3-0 defeat at Famalicao last weekend, a result that flattered the hosts given the Canaries's promising first-half display.
The result marked the first time in 14 outings that Ian Cathro's side failed to score, although their recent form has dipped, with just one win in their last six, alongside two draws and three defeats.
This represents a stark contrast to their earlier eight-game run, which had seen Estoril record six victories and avoid losses in the other two, with the current slump ending any hope of a push for Europe.
With five matches remaining and 39 points collected, Canarinhos are mathematically out of reach of the top four, sitting 20 points behind Porto, while even fifth place appears unlikely given they trail Vitoria de Guimaraes by nine points.
Still, their top-flight status has already been secured, as the gap between themselves and the relegation play-off spot remains at 16 points, with AVS – who occupy that position – also losing to Braga last weekend.
There is therefore no pressure on Cathro's men heading into this one, but they will still have eyes on climbing above their current ninth place, even if they are without a win in their last two matches at home.
The Canarinhos boast a fairly balanced record at Coimbra da Mota this season, with six wins, four draws and four defeats in 14 Primeira Liga outings – decent enough to give them hope of pulling something off here.
Team News
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Felix Bacher is ruled out through suspension after picking up his fifth booking of the campaign last time out, which should see Eliaquim Mangala come into the centre of Estoril's backline.
Wagner Pina is also suspended, paving the way for Pedro Carvalho to slot in at right wing-back in his absence.
Joao Moutinho returns from suspension and is expected to partner the in-form Racic in midfield for the visitors, providing a boost to Carvalhal's options.
El Ouazzani could be rewarded with a starting berth after coming off the bench to score against AVS, which would likely see 18-year-old Afonso Patrao drop to the bench.
Fran Navarro, Roger Fernandes and Jonatas Noro remain sidelined through injury and are not expected to feature in this contest.
Estoril Praia possible starting lineup:
Chamorro; Mangala, Boma, Alvaro; Amaral, Holsgrove, Xeka, P. Carvalho; Begraoui, Lacximicant, J. Carvalho
Braga possible starting lineup:
Hornícek; Chissumba, Oliveira, Bambu, Gomez; Horta, Moutinho, Racic, Gharbi; Zalazar; Ouazzan
We say: Estoril Praia 1-2 Braga
Braga have shown real steel away from home, but Estoril's record at Coimbra da Mota – having scored in each of their last six home matches – suggests they can find a way through.
That said, the hosts' defensive absentees could prove costly, potentially tipping the balance in favour of the Archbishops, who have far more riding on the outcome.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Adeyeye Oluwapelumi
