The Portuguese topflight returns to action following the New Year celebrations with a meeting between CD Santa Clara and Sporting Braga.
The game will be played on the 5th of January and the hosts begin the fixture in 15th place on 13 points while the visitors are in 3rd place on 31 points.
Último treino do ano ✅Muda o ano, mas nunca a nossa vontade de fazer mais e melhor 🔴⚪#NósSomosOsAçores #BravosAçorianos pic.twitter.com/evgW6FZive— cd.santaclara (@CD_SantaClara) December 31, 2022
Último treino do ano ✅Muda o ano, mas nunca a nossa vontade de fazer mais e melhor 🔴⚪#NósSomosOsAçores #BravosAçorianos pic.twitter.com/evgW6FZive
CD Santa Clara come into the game having tasted defeat in their first league fixture following the World Cup. They conceded the only goal of the game in a 1-0 defeat at Gil Vicente and it was a disappointing defeat against a team currently below them in the table.
That result means CD Santa Clara have failed to win any of their last 5 fixtures in all competitions.
There have been defeats at Leixões, Feirense, and Gil Vicente plus at home to Arouca. The only game not to end in defeat came at home against UD Oliveirense in the Taca da Liga and the match ended 1-1.
In terms of the Primeira Liga, CD Santa Clara have been difficult to beat in recent games. They are undefeated in 4 of their last 5 league matches. However, CD Santa Clara have recorded only 2 wins from their last 9 league fixtures, one of which was at home.
Trends show CD Santa Clara are unbeaten in 16 of their 18 most recent home matches in the league and both teams have scored in each of their last 6 Primeira Liga games on home soil
Sporting Braga make the trip to the Estádio de São Miguel on the back of a tremendous 3-0 home win over Benfica in their return to league action following the World Cup.
Having opened the scoring in the 2nd minute of the game, Sporting Braga took control with a second goal in the 32nd minute. Sporting Braga sealed maximum points with a third goal in the second half.
That result means Sporting Braga have won 6 of their last 7 fixtures in all competitions. They beat Portimonense away in the league and have tasted victory over Moreirense, Trofense, Casa Pia, and Paços Ferreira in the Taca da Liga. The only loss came away to Sporting Lisbon in the league cup.
Trends show Sporting Braga have a good record of 12 undefeated games in their last 14 away encounters in the Primeira Liga. They have won each of their last 3 on the road and scored 2 or more goals in 6 of their last 8 away league matches.
Team news and CD Santa Clara are expected to be without midfielder Bruno Jordão, who is the only player unavailable for the hosts.
Sporting Braga have no injury or suspension concerns and should be at full strength for this game.
Sporting Braga will be full of confidence following their big win over Benfica and are the favourites to take maximum points from this match.
We expect to see Sporting Braga score 2 or more goals and that will be enough to see them win the game, even with CD Santa Clara also finding the back of the net.