In their fifth Europa League match of 2024-25, Portuguese side Braga will host Bundesliga team Hoffenheim at Estadio Municipal de Braga on Thursday.
The Portuguese side are 26th in the Europa League table with four points and drew 1-1 with Elfsborg on November 7, while their opponents drew 2-2 with Lyon on the same date and are 19th with five points.
Match preview
Braga were dominant in the first half against Elfsborg considering they accumulated 66% possession and created two big chances in the opening 45 minutes, but though they eventually took the lead 67th minute, Elfsborg managed to net an equaliser in the 84th minute.
While boss Carlos Carvalhal will be disappointed by the draw, he will at least take comfort from the fact his team are only behind 24th-placed Elfsborg, who occupy the final round of 16 playoff spot, due to goal difference.
Carvalhal's side are currently fifth in the Primeira Liga with 20 points from 11 games, and their record of 19 goals scored and 11 conceded makes them the division's fourth-best offensive and joint fifth-best defensive club.
The Archbishops have won one, drawn one and lost one of their three most recent matches and have failed to achieve victory in any of their past three outings in the Europa League.
Braga's home record has been strong in recent weeks, with the Portuguese side having triumphed in six of their last nine fixtures at Estadio Municipal de Braga.
Opponents Hoffenheim come into the clash off the back of a thrilling 4-3 win against RB Leipzig on November 23, a match in which they trailed 1-0, 2-1 and 3-1 but scored a winner in the 87th minute.
The result will have been particularly welcomed by manager Christian Ilzer given his team's game against Die Roten Bullen was his first in charge of the club.
Die Kraichgauer are 13th in the Bundesliga with 12 points after 11 matchweeks, and the victory against third-placed Leipzig was just their third in the top flight.
Hoffenheim are unbeaten in their last three games having drawn two and won one, and they have achieved victory in one, drawn two and been defeated in one of their past four Europa League fixtures.
Ilzer will have to hope he can turn around his team's fortunes on the road considering they are winless in their last seven outings away from home, drawing four and losing three.
In fact, Hoffenheim have lost 12, drawn six and won just three of their past 21 away fixtures.
Team News
Braga's only confirmed injury absentee is midfielder Rodrigo Zalazar, who will not make an appearance until early next month, so perhaps Carvalhal will select a double pivot consisting of Vitor Carvalho and Joao Moutinho.
In defence, Braga are almost certain to persist with a back three, and centre-backs Joao Ferreira, Paulo Oliveira and Bright Arrey-Mbi are candidates to start.
As for Hoffenheim, they will be without a number of players including defenders Christopher Lenz, Florian Grillitsch and Ozan Kabak.
In their absence, expect Pavel Kaderabek, Arthur Chaves, Stanley N'Soki and Alexander Prass to be chosen to protect goalkeeper Oliver Baumann.
Midfielders Grischa Promel and Finn Becker will also miss out, and this could mean Anton Stach and Tom Bischof partner each other again in the centre of the pitch, just as they did against Leipzig.
Adam Hlozek, Andrej Kramaric, Mergim Berisha and Haris Tabakovic may start in attack considering forwards Ihlas Bebou, Marius Bulter and Max Moerstedt are not scheduled to return until later in December.
Braga possible starting lineup:
Hornicek; Ferreira, Oliveira, Arrey-Mbi; Fernandes, Carvalho, Moutinho, Martinez; Horta, Gharbi, Fernandez
Hoffenheim possible starting lineup:
Baumann; Kaderabek, Chaves, N'Soki, Prass; Stach, Bischof; Hlozek, Kramaric, Berisha; Tabakovic
We say: Braga 2-2 Hoffenheim
Given Braga have been strong at home, it is difficult to see them succumbing to defeat on Thursday, and the hosts will feel they can target the visitors' vulnerable defence.
However, Hoffenheim will be full of confidence following their win last time out, and it would not be surprising if they managed to earn a point.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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