Estoril vs Braga Predictions

• Both teams have scored in eight of the last 11 Estoril home league fixtures.
• Both teams have scored in four of Braga’s last six away Primeira Liga contests.
• Braga have won five of their last seven away league matches.

Carlos’ careful rotation keeping Braga on course 

Sporting Braga’s quest to lock up a fourth-placed finish that would ensure European football next season continues on Monday when they travel south to face Estoril. Carlos Carvalhal’s team are in good domestic form right now and enter this as favourites at around even money.

Braga’s results haven’t suffered from the twice weekly rhythm of playing they have been forced into by their Europa League excursions, possibly because of the squad’s youthful nature as well as the coach’s careful rotation. However, they were a touch lucky to keep a clean sheet in a 1-0 win at Vizela last weekend, which should encourage the Canaries as they seek a first point in four games.

Bruno Pinheiro is forced to change the axis of Estoril’s defense as Raul Silva cannot face his parent club. Bernardo Vital is expected to come in alongside Nahuel Ferraresi to re-establish the centre-backs duo that featured in the club’s last victory a month ago.

Estoril home games tend to see both teams score

The hosts are not the most potent force in the Primeira and their form has taken a bit of a nosedive in the past few weeks, but they could get on the scoresheet here against a Braga team with reduced preparation time because of their midweek trip to Glasgow. The Arsenalistas’ morale-denting defeat after extra time could also have drained some stamina and confidence out of Monday’s visitors.

Both teams have scored in eight of the last 11 Estoril home league fixtures and also in four of Braga’s last six away Primeira Liga contests, so that bet has legs.

The correct score forecast of a 2-1 Braga win is based on their solid away form of five wins from their last seven and Estoril having shipped at least two goals in six of their last nine home league games.