Preview: Braga vs. Vitoria de Guimaraes - prediction, team news, lineups

This match could have a major impact on the race for European football next season as the hosts are currently holding the Conference League qualification spot while the visitors are the first side below them.

Match preview

The battle at the top of the Primeira Liga is red hot heading into the New Year, with just five points separating the league leaders Sporting Lisbon from the Braga in fourth place after 15 games in the season.

The Arsenalists ended 2023 in mixed form as they managed to secure a place in the semi-final of the Taca da Liga, where they will face Sporting and also claimed a solid 3-1 win over Casa Pia in their last league outing.

Unfortunately for Artur Jorge, though, his side were unable to emulate their solid domestic form in Europe as they were knocked out of the Champions League, though they did manage to secure third place to earn a spot in the Europa League competition.

The most notable improvement the hosts have made this season has been their attacking output, as they currently possess the league's highest goal tally of 39, which is seven more than the current league leaders.

Fifteen of those goals have come in their last five home games alone, though they have needed that type of return as they have also conceded 22 this term, which is double what Benfica and Porto have let in so far.

Based on that record, Vitoria will likely see this as a very good opportunity to avenge the 2-1 defeat they suffered to this opponent in their last meeting.

While the hosts have been very good up to this point in the season, Os Vimaranense can be well pleased with their return after 15 matches as they are squarely in the rearview mirror of their opponents and can draw level with them if they win this match.

Moreno's side ended the year in fine style, beating Rio Ave 1-0 just before Christmas, which took their record to five matches unbeaten in all competitions, including four wins and a draw away to Boavista.

However, Vitoria's away form has been notably less impressive than at home this season, managing just 11 points from a possible 21 on the road, while they have bagged 18 from 24 on home soil.

Braga Primeira Liga form:

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Braga form (all competitions):

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Vitoria de Guimaraes Primeira Liga form:

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D

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Vitoria de Guimaraes form (all competitions):

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Team News

Braga could be without the services of Alvaro Djalo for this weekend's match, as the winger has been flagged as a doubt due to fatigue and a slight knock.

The hosts will also have to make do without Simon Banza, who has been excellent in front of goal this season, as well as defender Sikou Niakate, with the pair currently away on international duty.

Moreno has two absentees heading into this match, with Joao Mendes and Telmo Arcanjo both ruled out for the foreseeable future due to injury.

Tiago Silva has been an ever-present this season and scored the winner against Rio Ave last time out, which should see him keep his place in the engine room alongside Tomas Handel.

Braga possible starting lineup:

Lima; Gomez, Saatci, Oliveira, Borja; Moutinho, A Horta; Bruma, Pizzi, R Horta; Ruiz

Vitoria de Guimaraes possible starting lineup:

Varela; Fernandes, Borevkovic, Ribeiro; Gaspar, Silva, Handel, Mangas, J Silva; Butzke, Da Luz

We say: Braga 2-1 Vitoria de Guimaraes

Both these sides' league forms have been very similar this season, and we are likely to see a level match unfold here. Braga's home form and scoring record has been excellent this season, though, which is why we feel that they may just edge this one by the final whistle.

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