Braga vs Panathinaikos Predictions

• Braga have scored at least three goals in three of their four games
• However, the hosts have conceded in their last three matches
• Panathinaikos have scored in four straight games

Braga turn attention to Europe

With Champions League riches on the line, Braga have received a boost with a weekend off in between their vital qualifying playoff clash with Panathinaikos. They produced an impressive 4-2 win at Chaves at the weekend, but their fortunes this season will depend on the outcome of their next two games.

Panathinaikos have put out Dnipro-1 and Marseille so get this far and they stand on the verge of a return to the Champions League group stage. Just making it that far would be massive for the two clubs and the fact that the second leg is in Greece next week has to factor heavily into the hosts’ approach.

Hosts to start on front foot

The prospect of needing a result in Athens next week alongside the removal of the away goals rule plays into Braga’s hands for this one. The home side prefer to go after their opponents, scoring at least three goals in three of their first four games this season.

The Portuguese side have scored four goals in successive away games, but they conceded in each of those including a Champions League tie with TSC. Braga are without a clean sheet in three games and the visitors have scored in all four Champions League games this term, including their 2-1 loss at Marseille last time out.

The visitors should be capable of getting a goal against this Braga defence but the hosts will likely to look to blow the visitors out of the water and build up a cushion to take into the return clash. As a result, I see this game opening up, so Braga to win and concede appeals.