Best Odds: 4/7
Bookmaker:
In what is a heavyweight Portuguese showdown on Wednesday night, Benfica will welcome Braga to the Estadio da Luz.
Benfica
Starting with the hosts, making real history last season as they got their hands on a first domestic crown since 2019, Benfica are enjoying another major Primeira Liga romp this time around. Opening up the New Year with another eye-catching display as they cruised their way to a 3-0 victory against Arouca, Roger Schmidt’s side have won each of their last five straight appearances across all competitions. Receiving a string of plaudits from across the continent this year and guaranteeing a Europa League knockout stage ticket, the Eagles have also not suffered a single loss since way back on November 8th. Signing off 2023 with another routine 3-0 win against Famalicao, Benfica should also be excited by their continuing success on home soil. Including a major statement on November 12th as they clinched a 2-1 victory against historic rivals Sporting Lisbon, Schmidt’s men have bagged 15 strikes in their last six showdowns at the Estadio da Luz.
Team News
All still dealing with respective long-term injury issues, Benfica will once again be unable to call upon the trio of Alexander Bah, Juan Bernat and former Ajax ace David Neres on Wednesday night. Likewise, Schmidt’s side are still sweating over the fitness of Denmark international Casper Tengstedt.
Although ex-Fiorentina striker Arthur Cabral might have notched just a single Primeira Liga strike this season, the 25-year-old should spearhead Benfica’s charge here. Although Angel Di Maria might be heading for the Lisbon exit next summer, the former Real Madrid talisman will join Cabral in the final third.
Braga
As for the visitors, while Braga might still have their sights set on clinching another Champions League ticket in 2024, Arthur Jorge’s men will be bracing themselves for a heavyweight challenge here. Opening the New Year with last-gasp heartbreak on home soil as they eventually had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate against Guimaraes, the Archbishops have recorded just a single win from any of their previous four appearances against top-flight opposition. Hit with a 1-0 defeat when they welcomed Benfica to the Estadio Municipal de Braga for a Primeira Liga showdown back on December 17th, Jorge’s men should also be worried by a nightmare record in Lisbon. Including an infamous 6-1 drumming when they travelled to the defending champions back in November 2021, Braga have recorded just a pair of wins at the Estadio da Luz over the past decade.
Team News
Dealt a huge double blow, Braga will be unable to call upon both Simon Banza and Sikou Niakate with the duo respectively featuring at this month’s Africa Cup of Nations. Although Alvaro Djalo might have returned from an injury issue last week, the 24-year-old will likely settle for another spot on the bench here.
While one-time Barcelona starlet Abel Ruiz might have failed to find the net in any of his last 14 straight appearances across all competitions, the Spain U21 international will spearhead Braga’s attack in Banza’s absence.
Key Factors to Consider
