Bragavs.Lazio

While six wins from seven have taken the Italian side straight through before the final matchday, their hosts' hopes of making the playoffs hang by a thread.

Match preview

Their knockout place already booked with two rounds remaining, Lazio welcomed Real Sociedad to Stadio Olimpico last week, when another home win ensured progress to the Europa League's last 16 without needing a playoff.

Mario Gila's early goal had put the Rome club on course for victory before their Basque visitors were reduced to 10 men, and further strikes from captain Mattia Zaccagni and top scorer Taty Castellanos then wrapped up a 3-1 success.

Still unbeaten in continental competition this season, the Biancocelesti top the standings by three points, meaning they can even afford to take their foot off the gas on Thursday.

Lazio's best-ever continental campaign featured eight wins - during the 1999-2000 Champions League - and they are very much on track to surpass that mark this term.

In Portugal, they will also attempt to win four consecutive European away fixtures for the first time, shortly after a suffering a rare league loss on home turf.

Last weekend, Marco Baroni's men were beaten 2-1 by 10-man Fiorentina, with a stoppage-time strike from Adam Marusic proving too late to get them back into the match, so they sit fourth in Serie A - now seven points shy of third-placed Atalanta BC.

While their visitors can choose to take a relaxed approach if they wish, Braga's first-ever meeting with Lazio has high stakes for the hosts.

Lying in 27th place ahead of the final matchday, they simply have to win at Estadio Municipal - also known as 'The Quarry' - and hope other results go their way.

Last time out, Carlos Carvalhal's side let a half-time lead slip to lose in Brussels against Union SG, despite Amine El Ouazzani scoring an early opener.

After conceding twice during the second half, Vitor Carvalho picked up two yellow cards in the space of six minutes and Braga's hopes of fighting back were all but ended - Union then had two men sent off in a scrappy conclusion to the contest.

Previously beaten by Lazio's city rivals Roma, Os Arsenalistas have therefore lost both of their last two Europa League matches, leaving them two points adrift of the playoff places.

While they have managed just one win in six since kicking off the campaign with victory over nine-man Maccabi Tel Aviv in September, their domestic form has been a little more impressive.

Sunday's 3-0 defeat of Boavista made it three straight wins in the Primeira Liga, and Braga are also through to the Taca de Portugal quarter-finals - but they could be facing an early exit from Europe.

Braga Europa League form:

L

L

D

W

L

L

Braga form (all competitions):

W

L

W

W

L

W

Lazio Europa League form:

W

W

W

D

W

W

Lazio form (all competitions):

D

L

D

W

W

L

Team News

With progress already sewn up - and having one eye on reversing their domestic downturn by beating Cagliari next Monday - Lazio will make several changes in midweek.

Marco Baroni always rotates his squad for Europa League fixtures in any case, but Serie A regulars Nicolo Rovella and Mattia Zaccagni are both banned for accumulated bookings and must definitely miss out.

Furthermore, assist specialist Nuno Tavares recently joined Manuel Lazzari, Patric and Matias Vecino on the sidelines due to a thigh injury.

Cup goalkeeper Christos Mandas should start between the posts, while French centre-back Samuel Gigot could feature after serving a UEFA suspension last Thursday.

Meanwhile, Braga will be without Vitor Carvalho, who was sent off in Belgium, and well-travelled winger Bruma must also serve a one-match ban.

Amine El Ouazzani has scored in two of his last three matches, and with January signing Fran Navarro ineligible he should again lead the hosts' attack.

The Moroccan striker would be supported by skipper Ricardo Horta, whose younger brother Andre Horta has just rejoined Olympiacos.

Braga possible starting lineup:

Hornicek; Bambu, Oliveira, Niakate; Fernandes, Gorby, Moutinho, Martinez; Horta, Gharbi; El Ouazzani

Lazio possible starting lineup:

Mandas; Hysaj, Gigot, Gila, Pellegrini; Guendouzi, Dele-Bashiru; Tchaouna, Dia, Pedro; Noslin

We say: Braga 2-2 Lazio

Lazio have actually lost five of their seven away games against Portuguese clubs, but they are set to avoid defeat this week.

Written by

Jonathan O'Shea

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