Qarabag vs Sporting Braga Match Analysis and Prediction

Qarabag vs Sporting Braga Match Analysis & Prediction

Qarabag

22/02/2024 8:45 pm

Sporting Braga

by Vincent

10 months ago 0 107

DISCLAIMER: All odds are quoted at time the prediction went live. Check the sports book for updated odds

Holding a two-goal lead, Qarabag will be looking to close out the tie against Sporting Braga in the second leg of their Europa League playoff clash on Thursday night.

Goals Over 2.5: Yes

Best Odds: 1.78

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BTTS: Yes

Best Odds: 1.60

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Double Chance: Braga or X

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The Azerbaijani side came out on top through a 4-2 scoreline in last week’s opening leg, putting themselves in a strong position to progress in the competition.

After securing the Azerbaijani Premier League title last season and overcoming HJK Helsinki and Olimpija Ljubljana in qualifying, Qarabag finished second in their Europa League group, eight points behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen.

That runners-up position meant Gurban Gurbanov’s side faced the challenge of a playoff round against Portuguese side Sporting Braga.

Their 4-2 victory in the away leg in Portugal has them on the brink of the next round. Marko Jankovic converted a penalty to put Qarabag ahead, but Braga equalised just before halftime through Simon Banza.

Qarabag then dminated a 15-minute spell in the second half, scoring three times through Juninho and Abdellah Zoubir’s brace. However, Joao Moutinho pulled one back for Braga from the spot in stoppage time.

Gurbanov’s side have enjoyed a full week of rest since the first leg to prepare and finish the job on Thursday, while Braga have been let down by a leaky defence this season, despite their potent in attack.

The Archbishops have conceded the most goal among the top nine clubs in the Portuguese league, despite boasting the third-highest scoring record in the division.

This trend continued in their Champions League group, where they conceded the most goals – letting in 12 – despite finishing third ahead of Union Berlin.

A 5-0 thrashing by Sporting Lisbon and a 2-1 victory over Farense last weekend brough their goals conceded in the last three matches to 10, following their four they let in against Qarabag.

Artur Jorge faces a crucial task in finding a solution to these defensive frailties as his side aims to overturn a two-goal deficit and keep their European dreams alive.

Qarabag vs. Sporting Braga Head to head

These two teams have only previously met once in the first leg of this tie, with Qarabag winning 4-2 away from home.

15/02/2024

Sporting Braga

2

Qarabag

4

Europa League
22/02/2024

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A
22/02/2024

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A
22/02/2024

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A
22/02/2024

Qarabag

N/A

Sporting Braga

N/A

Europa League

Qarabag Team News

Marko Vesovic could return to the defense after missing the first leg due to a red card he received in the final Europa League group-stage match against Hacken.

Qarabag have a clean bill of health ahead of Thursday’s second leg, leaving Gurbanov with a wealth of option to pick from.

Qarabag's Last 5 Matches

30/01/2024

Sabah

1

Qarabag

7

CUP
03/02/2024

Sabail

1

Qarabag

2

Premyer Liqa
08/02/2024

Qarabag

3

Sabah

4

CUP
11/02/2024

Qarabag

2

Sabah

3

Premyer Liqa
15/02/2024

Sporting Braga

2

Qarabag

4

Europa League

Sporting Braga Team News

Sporting Braga will remain without the services of winger Bruma through injury on Thursday, as he currently nurses a meniscus injury until early May.

Adrian Marin and Ricardo Horta are also sidelined with varying injuries, while Banza is expected to lead the line again, having scored 15 goals in 27 appearances across all competitions so far.