Braga vs Wolverhampton Predictions

Wolves need just one point from their remaining two Group K fixtures to qualify for the knock-out stage of the Europa League, and are presented with their first chance to secure that point on Thursday in a tricky-looking assignment at table-topping Sporting Braga.

Braga beat Wolves 1-0 in a keenly contested reverse Group K meeting in mid-September – a result that was unusual for two reasons.

Firstly, Wanderers failing to score went against the grain of the overall consistency in front of goal they have shown this season – in fact, Wolves went on to score in every single game they played since losing to Braga two months ago (13 games). Secondly, the defeat itself was a rare one for Wolves, who have lost only twice in their last 13 competitive fixtures overall since September 19th – including that reverse at home to Braga.

The Portuguese club are in fine form themselves ahead of their rematch with Wanderers, losing just once in 14 outings since the second week of September. Braga’s win over Wolves seemed to be the confidence-boosting kick-starter their season needed and was the first match on their impressive 14-match sequence.

Like Wolves, Braga rarely fail to score. However, like their English opponents again, keeping clean sheets at the other end continues to prove a difficult task. Both teams scored in seven of Braga’s last 12 fixtures overall, while Wolves’ BTTS figure for their last dozen contests stands a little higher at eight.

Wanderers saw goals go in at either end in 100% of their last five away games overall, and it’s in that both teams to score market we feel best value lies for their Group K game in Portugal this week. Both teams registered in 71% of Braga’s last seven games on home turf and in each of their last three Europa League fixtures. Meanwhile, the Portuguese outfit have the technical quality in attack to cause Wolves headaches but have shown little of late to suggest they can keep the Premier League club out.

Alongside our both teams to score prediction, we are forecasting a 1-1 draw for our correct score tip. Wolves have scored exactly one goal in three of their last four away matches, and in eight of their last 13 games overall, while they have conceded exactly one at the other end on eight separate occasions.