Unbeaten in each of their last five games across all competitions, Braga play host to Gil Vicente at the Estadio Braga Municipal in round 26 of the Primeira Liga on Sunday.

The visitors also head into the game unbeaten in 10 consecutive games and with four points and one place separating the sides in the league table, this game has all the makings of a proper contest.

Match preview

Braga turned in a performance of the highest calibre last Thursday when they picked up a 2-0 victory over Monaco in the first leg of their Europa League round-of-16 clash.

Despite dominating proceedings for most of the game and seeing over 62% ball possession, the Ligue 1 outfit were guilty of a lethargic display in the final third as Abel Ruiz and Vitor Oliveira scored in either half to hand the hosts a vital first-leg victory.

Carlos Carvalhal's men now turn their attention to the Primeira Liga where they were involved in a share of the spoils for the second consecutive game last weekend when they played out a 1-1 draw at Boavista.

Braga head into Sunday's game unbeaten in each of their most recent four league outings, claiming two wins and two draws in that time, while losing just once in their last seven.

With 46 points from 25 games, Os Arcebispos are currently third in the Primeira Liga standings, four points and one place above Sunday's visitors in the final Conference League qualification spot.

Meanwhile, Gil Vicente were held to a goalless draw by a resilient Estoril Praia side when the teams locked horns at the Estadio Cidade de Barcelos last Friday.

Despite taking 14 shots and seeing over 60% ball possession, Ricardo Soares's side had to settle for a point at the sound of the full-time whistle as they were let down by the wasteful display of their frontmen.

Gil Vicente have now avoided defeat in 11 consecutive games, claiming six wins and five draws, while losing just once in the league since ending a run of seven games without a win back in October.

This has been down to their fine run away from home, where they are currently unbeaten since a 1-0 loss at Santa Clara on August 29 and the Gilistas will fancy their chances of maintaining this fine run on Sunday.

However, they face the stern test of squaring off against a Braga side who will be seeking to set the pace for their Europa League return leg against Monaco in France on March 17.

Gil Vicente also head into Sunday's game winless in each of their last nine meetings with Os Arcebispos, losing six and managing two draws since a narrow 1-0 win back in 2013.

Team News

Carvalhal will be unable to call upon the services of 31-year-old defender Nuno Sequeira, who has been out of action since last November through injury.

He is joined on the Os Arcebispos' injury table by Brazilian midfielder Lucas Mineiro, who picked up a muscle problem in January's 1-0 defeat against Maritimo.

Braga will also be without the services of teenage starlets Jean Gorby and Roger Fernandes, who are both recuperating from injuries.

Gil Vicente, on the other hand, will have to make do with the absence of Brazilian forward Murilo de Souza, who sustained an Achilles tendon injury in January's game against Boavista.

While first-choice goalkeeper Ziga Frelih continues his spell on the sidelines through injury, the Gilistas will feel in safe hands with Andrew between the sticks as the 20-year-old has kept three clean sheets in six games so far.

Brazilian midfielder Joao Afonso, who has been sidelined since last April through a severe injury, returned to the fold as an unused substitute in the game against Estoril Praia last time out and could make his return to action on Sunday.

Braga possible starting lineup:
Andrew; Carlos, Cunha, Fernandes, Talocha; Carvalho, Pedrinho; Fujimoto, Leautey, Lino; Navarro

Gil Vicente possible starting lineup:
Matheus; Tormena, Carmo, Silva; Couto, A Horta, Al Musrati, Gomes; Medeiros, R Horta, Ruiz

We say: Braga 1-1 Gil Vicente

Braga and Gil Vicente head into Sunday's game as two of the most in-form sides in the division and with just four points between them in the standings this game has all the makings of a thrilling contest. However, we anticipate both sides will take a cautious approach to the game and settle for a share of the spoils as they look to keep their unbeaten run going.

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