Wolverhampton Wanderers make the trip to Portugal to take on Braga knowing that a point will be enough to earn a place in the last 32 of the Europa League.

However, the hosts are aware that victory over the Premier League outfit will book their spot in the knockout stages as winners of Group K

Match preview

Despite being expected to struggle with the demands of playing Europa League football, Wolves have excelled in juggling their priorities in order to maintain their ambitions on both the domestic and European scene.

Securing another campaign on the continent next season through their results in the Premier League is highest on the list, and Nuno Espirito Santo will be delighted that an eight-match unbeaten in the top flight has moved Wolves into fifth position.

Nevertheless, the door is ajar regarding qualification for the last 32 of this competition, with a positive result on Thursday night being enough to give the West Midlands outfit an unassailable advantage over third-placed Slovan Bratislava.

While Wolves have the safety net of facing Besiktas on Matchday Six, Nuno will be eager to get the job done in Portugal given that three Premier League games are due to be played in quick succession, starting with Sunday's encounter with Sheffield United.

Regardless of whom Nuno selects in his team at Estadio Municipal de Braga, the home side have every reason to consider themselves the marginal favourites against their English opponents.

Since their smash-and-grab triumph at Molineux in September, seven points have been recorded from a possible nine, with only a comeback from Bratislava denying Braga a maximum return.

Like Wolves, Ricardo Sa Pinto's team will want their progress confirmed before their final group match after putting together a run of three successive wins in all competitions.

Even though Sa Pinto will be disappointed that Os Arcebispos are still 15 points off the pace in Portugal's top flight, there are signs that this close-knit side will only improve heading into the second half of the season.

Braga form: WLDWWW

Wolverhampton Wanderers form: DLDWWW

Team News

Ryan Bennett is closing in on a return from a groin injury, although Romain Saiss's domestic suspension at the weekend may led to Nuno taking no risks on the centre-back.

Saiss could be used in midfield to hand a rest to either Ruben Neves or Joao Moutinho, while Max Kilman and Ruben Vinagre are each expected to come into the starting lineup.

Given his recent workload and being one yellow card away from a ban, Raul Jimenez could drop down to the bench, with Patrick Cutrone being included in attack alongside Pedro Neto and Diogo Jota.

As for Braga, Sa Pinto must decide who to select out of Eduardo and Matheus, with both goalkeepers having been given game time of late.

Wilson Eduardo is pushing for a start having contributed five goals this season, despite largely featuring as a substitute.

Braga possible starting lineup: Matheus; Esgalo, Viana, Wallace, Sequeira; Fransergio, Palhinha; Galeno, A.Horta, R.Horta; Paulinho

Wolverhampton Wanderers possible starting lineup: Patricio; Dendoncker, Coady, Kilman; Jonny, Saiss, Neves, Vinagre; Neto, Cutrone, Jimenez

We say: Braga 2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Despite their recent form, facing Braga on away territory represents a tough test for Wolves. While the English side should be better for having already experienced playing Thursday's opponents at Molineux, we feel that Braga may just have enough to edge this contest.