Sporting v Braga tips, Primeira Liga betting preview

Primeira Liga
8pm Sunday

Not much has gone to plan for Sporting since the turn of the year and a visit from Portuguese title-chasers Braga could see the tough times continue.

Sporting, usually reliable at their beloved Jose Alvalade Stadium, were beaten 1-0 by La Liga strugglers Villarreal in the Europa League on Thursday and their confidence has been dented by a stuttering start to the year.

Prior to their Europa League flop, Sporting saw their title challenge peter out with draws against Porto and Vitoria Setubal followed by a 4-2 spanking at home to Lisbon rivals Benfica.

Marcel Keizer’s men find themselves nine points adrift of leaders Porto and fourth place looks the best they can hope for.

Their return trip to Villarreal is just four days away and given their current league status, there is surely more importance attached to their European adventure.

Braga, however, have no European distractions and they are bang in the hunt for their first ever Primeira Liga crown.

Abel Ferreira’s side, who are two points off the pace in third, have won six and drawn one of their seven matches this year.

The league’s leading marksman Dyego Sousa, who has 14 goals, continues to blossom and they should have little to fear on their trip to Lisbon. They look to be meeting Sporting at the perfect time.

Recommendation
Braga draw no bet
1pt 19-20 Ladbrokes

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