Braga vs Nottingham Forest preview, prediction, team news and head-to-head

While the Portuguese outfit begin the round occupying one of the automatic qualification places, Forest know that a positive result could flip the picture entirely.

Braga’s form has dipped slightly since the turn of the year, collecting only two wins from their last six matches in all competitions (D2, L2).

However, confidence was restored at the weekend as Carlos Vicens’ side edged out a 1-0 Primeira Liga victory thanks to a dramatic 92nd-minute penalty from Rodrigo Zalazar, despite finishing the match with 10 men.

That result lifted the Archbishops to fifth in the domestic standings and kept them within touching distance of the top four.

European competition has been a far happier hunting ground, as Braga have won 10 of their last 13 continental matches (D2, L1) and currently sit seventh in the 36-team Europa League table after four wins from six league-phase fixtures.

Strong home form further boosts belief, with six wins and a draw from their last eight matches in Braga, the only blemish being a defeat to Genk on matchday four.

Nottingham Forest arrive in Portugal looking to use Europe as a springboard after a difficult domestic run.

Sean Dyche’s men have managed just one win in their last seven matches across all competitions (D1, L5), but a disciplined goalless draw against Premier League leaders Arsenal last weekend offered encouragement that performances are improving.

Forest’s Europa League campaign has been far more convincing, with the Tricky Trees collecting11 points from their opening six matches (W3, D2, L1), including back-to-back wins over Malmo (3-0) and FC Utrecht (2-1), leaving them just two points shy of the automatic qualification places.

Competing in Europe for the first time in three decades, Forest have conceded only once in four Europa League matches under Dyche (W3, D1), though recent away struggles – three defeats in their last four competitive trips – underline the challenge they face here.

Don't forget to check out our daily betting tips on BET OF THE DAY.

This will be the first competitive meeting between Braga and Nottingham Forest. Forest did, however, record a 3-0 friendly victory over the Portuguese side back in July 2016.

Braga’s history against English opposition is mixed, with six wins from 20 such encounters (D4, L10), while Forest’s only previous clash with a Portuguese club ended in a 2-0 Europa League win over Porto earlier this season.

Braga will be without Amine El Ouazzani and Sandro Vidigal through injury, while January recruit Samy Merheg is not eligible for Europa League action until the knockout rounds. A major blow comes in the absence of top scorer Rodrigo Zalazar, who is serving the second match of a continental suspension.

Nottingham Forest are missing Chris Wood and John Victor due to knee injuries. Several players – including Ola Aina, Omari Hutchinson, Taiwo Awoniyi, Angus Gunn and Jair Cunha – are unavailable after not being registered for the Europa League squad.

Braga: Hornicek; Lagerbielke, Carvalho, Niakate; Dorgeles, Grillitsch, Moutinho, Lelo; Martinez, Victor, Horta

Nottingham Forest: Sels; Savona, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Anderson, Luiz; Ndoye, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Jesus

Braga’s consistency at home and greater European experience may give them a slight edge, particularly with Forest struggling on their travels. However, the visitors’ organisation and defensive discipline in this competition suggest they can keep things tight.

Correct score prediction: Braga 1-1 Nottingham Forest

After reading this, remember to stake on LiveScore Bet.

Betting tips:

Draw or Braga double chance

Under 2.5 goals