Verdict: Rodrigo Zalazar Over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 17/20
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Two camps who will get their respective Europa League quarter-finals underway on Wednesday evening, Braga will welcome Real Betis to Portugal for their first-leg showdown.
Braga
Starting with the hosts, extending on their Europa League adventure last month as they mounted an essential second-half comeback on home soil, Braga will know the importance of claiming an early advantage here. Eventually storming their way to an empathic 4-0 romp against Hungarian outfit Ferencvaros, Carlos Vicens side also marked their return from March’s international break with a gritty 1-0 victory away at Moreirense over the weekend. Likewise, despite being last seen in front of their own supporters falling to a 2-1 loss at the hands of Portuguese giants Porto, Braga should be excited by their overall success at the Estadio Municipal de Braga. In fact, Vicens side have lost just one of their last 11 consecutive showdowns on home soil – a run that stems all the way back to the start of November.
Braga Team News
Not featuring across any competition since the end of January, Brazilian midfielder Vitor Carvalho remains on the sidelines with a hip issue. Likewise, missing out on Bosnia’s iconic World Cup success last month, Adrian Barisic is still recovering from a muscle injury.
While former Celtic defender Gustaf Lagerbielke might be set to serve a domestic suspension, the 25-year-old is free to feature on Wednesday evening. Despite now being 39, ex-Wolves star Joao Moutinho will start in the middle of the park.
Real Betis
As for the visitors, although Real Betis might have mounted their own respective Europa League comeback last month as they stormed past Panathinaikos thanks to a 4-1 aggregate win, Manuel Pellegrini’s side are desperately searching for some recent stability. Marking their return from March’s international break with a toothless performance over the weekend as they eventually had to settle for a 0-0 stalemate at home against Espanyol, the former Manchester City boss has seen his squad muster just a single win from any of their previous eight appearances across all competitions. Likewise, Betis have also shown some rather concerning issues outside of Seville. In fact, Pellegrini’s camp have lost each of their last three straight matchups on their travels by an aggregate score of 5-1.
Real Betis Team News
Both still dealing with respective long-term injury issues, Real Betis will once again be unable to call upon the duo of Giovani Lo Celso and former Real Madrid superstar Isco. However, serving a domestic ban over the weekend, Diego Llorente could be handed a full recall.
Registering eight direct goal contributions in as many Europa League appearances this season (five goals, three assists), former Manchester United misfit Antony will play a leading role in the final third.
Braga vs Real Betis Key Factors to Consider
- Wednesday’s showdown in Portugal will be the first competitive showdown between Braga and Real Betis.
- Braga have lost just one of their last 11 home fixtures across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to the start of November.
- Wednesday’s guests have lost each of their last three straight matchups outside of Seville by an aggregate score of 5-1.
- Brazilian international Anthony has registered eight direct goal contributions in as many Europa League appearances this season (five goals, three assists).
- Each of Braga’s last six straight home fixtures have finished with over 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
Two camps who mounted their own respective Europa League second-leg comebacks last month, both Braga and Real Betis will know the importance of claiming an early advantage here. In a battle between two camps who have largely failed to find much stability on either side of March’s international break, we could be set for a nervy affair in midweek. Watching Betis lose their last three straight showdowns outside of Seville by an aggregate score of 5-1, Braga will be desperate to exploit on Betis’ struggles on the road.
Verdict: Rodrigo Zalazar Over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 17/20
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
