Braga vs Servette predictions for this Europa League play off tie. Portuguese club Braga host Swiss side Servette at Estadio Municipal de Braga on Thursday evening for the first leg of their Europa League third qualifying round tie. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips
Europa League | Third Qualifying Round | 1st Leg | Aug 8, 2024 at 8.30pm UK at Estadio Municipal de Braga
Braga vs Servette Predictions
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Can Braga Dominate Servette in the Europa League Qualifier?
Key Stats
Braga have scored at least two goals in seven of their last ten competitive home matches.
Servette have only won three of their last ten away matches in all competitions.
Amine El Ouazzani has already scored twice in Braga’s Europa League campaign.
Portuguese side Braga are set to host Swiss team Servette at the Estadio Municipal de Braga for the first leg of their Europa League third qualifying round tie. Both teams are vying for a place in the newly-expanded 2024-25 Europa League, with the losers relegated to the Europa Conference League playoff round. This match promises to be a compelling encounter, and we delve into the key aspects that will shape this contest.
Match Preview
Braga advanced to this stage after a comprehensive 7-0 aggregate victory over Israeli club Maccabi Petah Tikva in the previous round. Under the guidance of new head coach Daniel Sousa, who took over from Artur Jorge in May, Braga are keen to avoid a repeat of their narrow 6-5 aggregate defeat to Qarabag FK in last season’s Europa League qualifiers. Braga, nicknamed Os Arsenalistas, have consistently competed in the Europa League for eight consecutive seasons, reaching the final in the 2010-11 campaign.
Their opponents, Servette, are seeking to replicate their achievement of reaching the Europa League group stage last season after finishing third in the Swiss Super League. Despite an impressive start to their league campaign with three consecutive victories, including a notable win against defending champions Young Boys, Servette recently suffered a setback with a 3-1 defeat to Lugano. This loss highlighted potential vulnerabilities that Braga will be eager to exploit.
Team News
Braga have made significant changes to their squad, bringing in eight new players, including forwards Amine El Ouazzani and Roberto Fernandez. These new additions could be key to their attacking strategy, supported by Rodrigo Zalazar, who has already contributed to four goals in two games this season. The defensive setup is likely to feature Bright Arrey-Mbi, who impressed on his full debut, alongside Sikou Niakate.
Servette will be without Steve Rouiller, who is serving a domestic suspension but is eligible for this match and could replace Anthony Baron in central defence. New signings Julian von Moos and Usman Simbakoli are pushing for starts, though competition from established forwards like Jeremy Guillemenot and Enzo Crivelli, who scored 20 goals between them last season, will be fierce.
Expected Lineups
Braga: Matheus; Gomez, Arrey-Mbi, Niakate, Wdowik; Zalazar, Moutinho, Horta; Fernandez, El Ouazzani, Bruma
Servette: Mall; Tsunemoto, Rouiller, Severin, Mazikou; Ondoua, Cognat; Stevanovic, Antunes, Kutesa; Crivelli
Analysis
Braga’s Strategy and Form
Braga have started the season strongly, as evidenced by their dominant display against Maccabi Petah Tikva. Their ability to score freely, averaging 2.1 goals per game last season, will be crucial against a Servette side that has shown defensive frailties. Rodrigo Zalazar’s role in midfield is pivotal, providing creativity and goal-scoring threats. Defensively, Braga will need to tighten up, having conceded 1.5 goals per game last season, but the inclusion of Arrey-Mbi could help shore up their backline.
Servette’s Prospects
Servette have shown promise early in the Swiss Super League, particularly with their offensive output. They average 2.3 goals per game and have multiple goal-scoring threats in Dereck Kutesa and Miroslav Stevanovic. However, their defensive record is less impressive, with 1.8 goals conceded per game. Their ability to compete against a more experienced Braga side will hinge on their defensive organisation and the effectiveness of their counter-attacks.
Key Battles and Field Dynamics
The midfield battle will be crucial, with Braga’s Zalazar and Horta facing off against Servette’s Cognat and Ondoua. Braga’s midfielders will aim to control possession and create opportunities for their forwards, while Servette’s midfielders must disrupt this flow and launch quick counter-attacks.
In the attacking third, the duel between Braga’s El Ouazzani and Servette’s Rouiller could be decisive. El Ouazzani’s physical presence and finishing ability will test Rouiller, whose defensive prowess will be key to keeping the Swiss side in the game.
Predictions
Best Bet: Braga -1 to Win
Given Braga’s recent form and superior squad depth, a -1 handicap win for Braga seems a strong bet. Their attacking firepower, coupled with Servette’s defensive vulnerabilities, suggests that Braga will dominate proceedings.
Correct Score Prediction: Braga 3-0 Servette
Aligning with the best bet, a 3-0 victory for Braga appears likely. Braga’s potent attack, featuring the likes of El Ouazzani and Bruma, is expected to breach Servette’s defence multiple times, while the home side’s defence should be able to keep a clean sheet.
Goalscorer Prediction: Amine El Ouazzani
El Ouazzani has already shown his scoring capabilities and will be pivotal in Braga’s attack. His ability to find space and finish clinically makes him a prime candidate to get on the scoresheet against Servette.
First Half Result: Braga to Lead
Braga’s aggressive start in their previous fixtures suggests they will come out strong. Expect them to take control early and lead by the halftime whistle, leveraging their home advantage and attacking prowess.
Innovative Market Prediction: Total Team Shots on Target – Braga Over 6.5
Braga’s high shot volume, averaging 16.2 shots per game last season, indicates they will frequently test the Servette goalkeeper. Betting on Braga to have over 6.5 shots on target provides an interesting angle, given their offensive capabilities and Servette’s defensive issues.
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