Braga vs Alverca Prediction & Match Preview – Sunday, 25 January

Braga vs Alverca Prediction & Match Preview sets the stage for an intriguing clash in Liga Portugal. On Sunday, 25 January, Braga will host Alverca at the Estádio Municipal de Braga. This match sees Braga, a well-established side in the league, taking on Alverca, who are eager to make their mark. Home advantage could play a crucial role for Braga, who are keen to maintain their strong form in front of their supporters.

The significance of this encounter lies in Braga’s pursuit of a top position in the Liga Portugal standings, while Alverca aim to prove their mettle against a formidable opponent. Both teams will be eager to secure valuable points, making this a match to watch. With Braga’s experience and Alverca’s determination, the Estádio Municipal de Braga will witness a competitive and potentially thrilling contest.

Braga vs Alverca Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Sporting Braga to Win Without Conceding	1.6

Given Braga’s strong defensive record and Alverca’s current attacking struggles, our recommended betting tip is ‘Braga to win to nil’. This is supported by Braga’s recent form and head-to-head dominance, making it a highly confident pick.

• Braga have kept clean sheets in six of their last eight matches, showcasing their defensive solidity.
• Alverca have managed to score just once in their last five outings, highlighting their offensive struggles.
• Braga’s recent 3-0 victory over Alverca and their overall superior squad depth further support this prediction.

Betting Odds

Looking at the betting odds for Braga vs Alverca, it’s clear that Braga are strong favourites with odds of 1.4. Alverca, meanwhile, are considered underdogs at 7.54, which may appeal to those seeking a high-risk, high-reward bet.

Betting Tip	Odds
Braga to win	1.4
Draw	4.51
Alverca to win	7.54

The draw is priced at 4.51, suggesting that while it’s not the most likely outcome, it could still offer value for those expecting a tighter contest. With Braga’s solid home form, betting on a home win seems the safer option, but Alverca’s long odds might tempt more adventurous punters.

Braga Analysis & Recent Performance

Braga have been in strong form recently, securing three wins from their last five matches, including a notable victory over Nottingham Forest in the Europa League. Their recent run has seen them score seven goals while conceding five, demonstrating both attacking prowess and occasional defensive vulnerabilities.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Braga	Nottingham Forest	1 – 0 (Win)	Europa League	22 Jan 2026
Tondela	Braga	0 – 1 (Win)	Primeira Liga	18 Jan 2026
AD Fafe	Braga	2 – 1 (Loss)	Portuguese Cup	14 Jan 2026
Vitoria de Guimaraes	Braga	2 – 1 (Loss)	League Cup	10 Jan 2026
Benfica	Braga	1 – 3 (Win)	League Cup	7 Jan 2026

Recent Form:
Braga’s attack has been consistent, averaging 1.40 goals per match over their last five fixtures, and they have managed to keep two clean sheets in that period. At home, they have been particularly impressive, remaining unbeaten in their last five home games with a win ratio of 0.80, underlining their formidable presence at the Estádio Municipal de Braga.

Strengths & Weaknesses:

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Ricardo Horta continues to be a key figure in attack, contributing significantly to Braga’s goal tally. However, they have shown some defensive frailties, with three of their last five matches seeing them concede. Their ability to keep clean sheets in 40% of recent matches highlights their potential defensive resilience, though consistency remains an area for improvement.

Braga Suspensions & Injuries

Braga will be missing key players due to a combination of injuries and suspensions, which could significantly impact their tactical approach against Alverca. The suspension of Gustaf Lagerbielke, following a yellow/red card, leaves a gap in defence, likely forcing coach Carlos Vicens to rely on Sikou Niakaté and Bright Arrey-Mbi to shore up the backline. This absence is a blow, particularly given Lagerbielke’s recent performances.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Gustaf Lagerbielke	Yellow/red card	1	Unknown

Injuries further compound Braga’s challenges, with Jonathas Noro and Sandro Vidigal both doubtful due to their respective conditions. The absence of Amine El Ouazzani, out with a broken foot until mid-March 2026, removes a potent attacking option. Ege Tiknaz’s virus-related absence, although expected to last only a few days, still disrupts squad depth. These injuries could necessitate a reshuffle in midfield and attack, with players like Gabri Martínez and Ricardo Horta expected to step up.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Jonathas Noro	Achilles tendon injury	Doubtful
Sandro Vidigal	Unknown	Doubtful
Amine El Ouazzani	Broken foot	Mid March 2026
Ege Tiknaz	Virus	Few days

With such notable absentees, Braga’s tactical flexibility will be tested. The team may need to adopt a more conservative approach, focusing on maintaining possession and defensive solidity. This could also influence betting markets, as Braga’s reduced strength may affect their odds and overall match strategy against Alverca.

Braga Key Players

Braga’s attacking threat will undoubtedly be led by Ricardo Horta, the team’s top scorer with 7 goals this season. Horta’s ability to find space and finish precisely makes him a formidable presence in the forward line. His experience and clinical nature in front of goal will be vital in breaking down Alverca’s defence. Supporting him in attack, Pau Víctor Delgado and Rodrigo Zalazar bring versatility and creativity, with Zalazar’s playmaking skills potentially unlocking defensive setups.

In midfield, João Moutinho’s vision and Florian Grillitsch’s ball-winning abilities form a balanced partnership, providing both defensive solidity and attacking impetus. Moutinho’s ability to dictate the tempo and Grillitsch’s physical presence will be crucial in controlling the game’s rhythm. Defensively, the partnership of Bright Arrey-Mbi and Sikou Niakaté will need to remain vigilant, using their strength and positioning to thwart Alverca’s attacking efforts.

Expected lineup for Braga

• Goalkeeper: Lukas Horníček
• Defence: Bright Arrey-Mbi, Vítor Carvalho, Sikou Niakaté
• Midfield: Mário Dorgeles, João Moutinho, Florian Grillitsch, Leonardo Lelo
• Forward: Rodrigo Zalazar, Pau Víctor Delgado, Ricardo Horta

Braga Tactics & Formation

Braga Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-3
• Key Forward: Ricardo Horta
• Midfield Pivot: Jean-Baptiste Gorby and Florian Grillitsch
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High possession play and disciplined defensive structure.

Braga’s 3-4-3 formation under Carlos Vicens is designed to maximise their attacking potential while maintaining defensive stability. The presence of Jean-Baptiste Gorby and Florian Grillitsch in midfield allows for effective ball distribution and control, supporting both defensive and attacking transitions.

The front trio, led by Ricardo Horta, who has been prolific this season, is pivotal to Braga’s offensive strategy. His ability to exploit spaces and link up with fellow forwards Fran Navarro and Diego Rodrigues adds a dynamic edge to their attack.

Defensively, Braga have shown resilience, conceding only five goals in their last five matches and keeping two clean sheets. The back three, featuring Gustaf Lagerbielke, Sikou Niakaté, and Bright Arrey-Mbi, provides a robust defensive line that has been crucial in their recent performances.

Alverca Analysis & Recent Performance

Alverca’s recent form has been mixed, with two wins and three losses in their last five matches. They secured victories against Moreirense (2-1) and Famalicão (1-0), demonstrating their ability to capitalise on home advantage. However, they suffered heavy defeats against Estoril (1-4) and FC Porto (0-3), which highlight vulnerabilities, particularly in away fixtures.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Alverca	Moreirense	2 – 1 (Win)	Liga Portugal	17 Jan 2026
Alverca	Famalicão	1 – 0 (Win)	Liga Portugal	4 Jan 2026
Estoril	Alverca	4 – 1 (Loss)	Liga Portugal	27 Dec 2025
Alverca	FC Porto	0 – 3 (Loss)	Liga Portugal	22 Dec 2025
Arouca	Alverca	1 – 0 (Loss)	Liga Portugal	14 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
Alverca’s attacking output has been modest, averaging 0.80 goals per game in their last five matches, while defensively they have conceded an average of 1.80 goals per match. Their clean sheet against Famalicão is a positive defensive note, but with only one clean sheet in five games, defensive solidity remains a concern.

On the road, Alverca’s struggles are evident, with a record of one win and four losses in their last five away games. They have managed to score in only two of these fixtures, emphasising a need for improvement in their away offensive strategies. Their current standing in the league sees them in 10th position with 23 points, indicating a need to enhance both their attacking and defensive strategies to climb the table.

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Alverca Suspensions & Injuries

Alverca face a challenging situation with several key players potentially sidelined due to injuries. The absence of Léo Chú, Stéphane Diarra, and Tomás Mendes, all listed as doubtful, could significantly impact the team’s tactical flexibility and attacking prowess. These players have been instrumental in providing depth and creativity in midfield and attack. Their unavailability may force coach Custódio to rely on less experienced squad members, potentially altering the team’s dynamics and reducing their effectiveness against Braga.

André Paulo’s uncertain status adds to Alverca’s woes, especially in terms of squad rotation. The team’s depth is already stretched, and any further absences could leave them vulnerable, particularly in maintaining a consistent level of performance throughout the match. The muscle injuries plaguing Diarra and Mendes highlight potential issues in squad fitness and conditioning that the coaching staff will need to address.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Léo Chú	Unknown	Doubtful
Stéphane Diarra	Muscle injury	Doubtful
Tomás Mendes	Muscle injury	Doubtful
André Paulo	Unknown	Doubtful

With such critical players missing, Alverca may need to adopt a more conservative approach, focusing on defensive solidity and counter-attacking opportunities. This could lead to a shift in formation, prioritising a tighter midfield to compensate for the lack of attacking options. The betting markets may see this as an opportunity to favour Braga, given Alverca’s compromised squad strength and potential tactical adjustments.

Alverca Key Players

Alverca’s attacking threat will be led by Marko Milovanović, the team’s top scorer with 5 goals this season. Milovanović’s ability to find space and finish clinically makes him a constant threat to Braga’s defence. His presence up front is crucial, as he not only scores but also creates opportunities for his teammates. Supporting him in attack are Lincoln and Sandro Lima, both of whom will look to exploit any weaknesses in Braga’s backline with their pace and agility.

Nabil Touaizi, operating in midfield, is pivotal for Alverca’s transitions from defence to attack. His vision and passing accuracy will be essential in breaking down Braga’s defensive structure. Meanwhile, the defensive trio of Kaiky Naves, Sergi Gómez, and Bastien Meupiyou will be tasked with maintaining a solid backline, aiming to neutralise Braga’s offensive plays. Their coordination and tactical discipline could be decisive in keeping a clean sheet.

Expected lineup for Alverca

• Goalkeeper: André Gomes
• Defenders: Kaiky Naves, Sergi Gómez, Bastien Meupiyou
• Midfielders: Nabil Touaizi, Sabit Abdulai, Alexsandro Amorim, Francisco Chissumba
• Forwards: Lincoln, Sandro Lima, Lucas Figueiredo

Alverca Tactics & Formation

Alverca Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Sandro Lima
• Midfield Pivot: Sabit Abdulai and Amorim
• Defensive Strength: Limited clean sheets, defensive vulnerabilities present.
• Notable Strategy: Utilises pace on the wings and a high pressing game.

In their 4-3-3 setup, Alverca aim to maximise their attacking potential with Sandro Lima leading the line. His role is crucial, supported by Lincoln and Lucas Figueiredo on the wings, who provide width and pace. The midfield trio, featuring Sabit Abdulai and Amorim, balances defensive coverage and attacking support, with Francisco Chissumba adding creativity.

Defensively, Alverca have struggled to keep clean sheets, conceding frequently. The backline, consisting of Kaiky Naves, Sergi Gómez, and Bastien Meupiyou, needs to tighten up to withstand Braga’s offensive threats. Their recent form shows a tendency to concede goals, highlighting a need for better defensive cohesion.

Offensively, Alverca rely on quick transitions and exploiting spaces on the flanks. Their high pressing approach aims to disrupt opposition build-up, though it sometimes leaves them vulnerable to counterattacks, as has been evident in recent matches.

Braga vs Alverca: Head-to-Head Record

Braga have dominated the head-to-head record against Alverca, winning 5 out of their 8 encounters, with Alverca managing just one win and 2 matches ending in a draw. The most recent meeting saw Braga secure a comfortable 3-0 victory away at Alverca in Liga Portugal.

The last time Braga hosted Alverca, back in 2004, the match ended goalless. However, Braga’s home form in this fixture has generally been strong, highlighted by a thrilling 5-3 win in 2002.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Alverca	Braga	0 – 3	Primeira Liga	2025-08-17
Braga	Alverca	0 – 0	Primeira Liga	2004-03-01
Alverca	Braga	1 – 2	Primeira Liga	2003-10-06
Braga	Alverca	5 – 3	Primeira Liga	2002-05-05
Alverca	Braga	0 – 3	Primeira Liga	2002-01-04