Braga host Roma on Thursday night in the Europa League as both clubs have their eyes on making deep runs into the tournament knockout stages. The teams are veterans of recent Europa League campaigns and know exactly what is at stake this week in the first leg.
Paulo Fonseca’s Roma finished atop Group A with 13 points from 18 possible. The Giallorossi scored 13 goals while conceding five in the group with four of their six games seeing over 2.5 goals scored.
Roma have won three of their last four Serie A matches heading into the Europa League last 32. At the weekend, the club thrashed Udinese 3-0 thanks to a two-goal performance from Jordan Veretout.
Braga head into the first leg unbeaten in their last seven games in all competitions. The Portuguese team are playing well under manager Carlos Carvalhal and should not be counted out from winning at home versus Roma.
Carvalhal’s team finished second in Europa League Group G with 13 points from 18 possible. Although they finished level on points with Leicester City, Braga’s goal difference was inferior to the English side.
Braga scored 14 goals and conceded 10 times in the group. Five of their six games in Group G ended with over 2.5 goals tallied. Although they conceded 10 times across six games, it should be noted that seven of those goals were allowed to Leicester City.
Fonseca has two injury issues going into the game. Centre-back Chris Smalling could miss out due to a hamstring. He is due back in the squad this month. Nicolo Zaniolo is ruled out until March due to an ACL injury.
Carvalhal has three players suffering with injuries and the trio will miss the fixture on Thursday night. David Carmo is out until March with an ankle issue while Rui Fonte has a knee injury that will keep him out until March. Francisco Moura is ruled out for the remainder of the season.
Braga average 2.06 goals per game at home. Roma average 1.31 goals away from the Italian capital and concede 2.0 strikes to opponents. Thursday night’s game in Portugal should see goals between the two clubs.
Based on the scoring these sides saw in the group stage, the fixture should see both teams score and over 2.5 goals tallied. Braga versus Roma is an example of the big ties being thrown up in the Europa League last 32 and it shouldn’t disappoint.