AVS Futebol SAD vs Braga Prediction, Match Preview, Monday, 2 February

The AVS Futebol SAD vs Braga Prediction and Match Preview sets the scene for an intriguing clash in Liga Portugal. Scheduled for Monday, 2 February, the match will be held at the Estádio do CD Aves. Both teams are eager to make a significant impact in the league, with AVS Futebol SAD hoping to capitalise on home advantage against a formidable Braga side.

Braga, renowned for their strong performances in recent seasons, will be determined to secure a win on the road. Meanwhile, AVS Futebol SAD will be keen to prove their credentials in front of their home supporters. This encounter promises to be a compelling contest as both teams battle for crucial points in the league standings.

AVS Futebol SAD vs Braga Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Braga to Win	1.37

Considering current form and the head-to-head record, our recommended betting tip is to back Braga to win. With their impressive recent performances and AVS’s struggles, Braga are well-positioned to secure an away victory.

• Braga have won three of their last five matches, demonstrating strong form and attacking prowess.
• AVS are winless in their last five games, highlighting defensive issues and a lack of consistency.
• Odds of 1.60 for a Braga win offer good value given the clear disparity in quality and form between the two sides.

Betting Odds

In this Liga Portugal clash, Braga are clear favourites, with betting odds reflecting their superior form and squad depth. AVS Futebol SAD, despite playing at home, are considered underdogs with odds of 8.13, offering a tempting payout for those backing an upset.

Betting Tip	Odds
AVS Futebol SAD to win	8.13
Draw	4.55
Braga to win	1.37

The draw is priced at 4.55, which could appeal to those expecting a tightly contested match. For goal markets, Braga’s potent attack suggests value in the over 2.5 goals market.

AVS Futebol SAD Analysis & Recent Performance

AVS Futebol SAD are currently enduring a challenging period. Their recent form has been disappointing, with no wins in their last five matches, drawing two and losing three. This run includes a high-scoring 3-3 draw against Casa Pia AC and a narrow 0-1 defeat to Arouca.

Home Side	Away Side	Result	League	Date
Casa Pia AC	AVS Futebol SAD	3 – 3 (Draw)	Primeira Liga	23 Jan 2026
AVS Futebol SAD	Arouca	0 – 1 (Defeat)	Primeira Liga	17 Jan 2026
AVS Futebol SAD	Moreirense	0 – 2 (Defeat)	Primeira Liga	3 Jan 2026
FC Porto	AVS Futebol SAD	2 – 0 (Defeat)	Primeira Liga	29 Dec 2025
AVS Futebol SAD	Nacional	2 – 2 (Draw)	Primeira Liga	21 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
AVS Futebol SAD’s attacking output averages 1.00 goal per game over their last five outings, scoring a total of five goals. However, their defensive frailties are evident, conceding an average of 2.00 goals per match and failing to keep any clean sheets. These statistics highlight significant defensive weaknesses, with the team unable to protect leads or secure results.

Their home record has been particularly poor, with just one win in their last ten home games, alongside six losses and three draws. This lack of home advantage is reflected in their current position at the bottom of the table, with only five points accumulated.

The team relies heavily on Nené, their top scorer, who has netted four goals and contributed 29% of their total. The lack of support from other attacking players is a concern, and the team must improve both offensively and defensively to change their fortunes in the league.

• DLLLD

AVS Futebol SAD Suspensions & Injuries

AVS Futebol SAD are currently dealing with a significant absence due to the injury of Lucas Moura. His absence is a major blow to their attacking options, given his technical ability and experience. Without Lucas Moura, AVS Futebol SAD may struggle to maintain offensive momentum, requiring tactical adjustments from coach João Henriques to fill the gap.

The injury to Lucas Moura means AVS Futebol SAD will likely have to rely more heavily on Tomané to lead the attack. This could prompt a change in formation or a more cautious approach, as they may look to play more conservatively to compensate for the lack of attacking depth. The team will need to find creative solutions to break down Braga’s defence.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Lucas Moura	Unknown	Unknown

With no suspensions affecting the squad, AVS Futebol SAD can at least count on a full complement of players in other areas. However, the absence of a key player like Lucas Moura could influence betting markets, as his presence often boosts AVS Futebol SAD’s attacking threat. Bettors may see this as an opportunity to favour Braga, who could exploit the weakened home attack.

AVS Futebol SAD Key Players

AVS Futebol SAD will be heavily reliant on their top scorer, Nené, who has scored four goals this season. Nené’s prowess in front of goal makes him a pivotal figure in the team’s attacking strategy. His ability to find space and finish clinically could prove decisive against Braga. Alongside him, Babatunde Akinsola and Óscar Perea are expected to provide essential support. Akinsola’s pace and Perea’s creativity could be instrumental in breaking down the opposition defence.

In midfield, Gustavo Mendonça’s role as playmaker will be crucial in linking defence and attack. His vision and passing accuracy can unlock defences, making him integral to the team’s tactical setup. Defensively, Rúben Semedo and Carlos Ponck are expected to form a solid partnership at the heart of AVS Futebol SAD’s backline. Their ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions will be vital for defensive stability.

Expected lineup for AVS Futebol SAD:

• Goalkeeper: Adriel
• Defenders: Ángel Algobia, Rúben Semedo, Carlos Ponck, Kiki
• Midfielders: Roni, Gustavo Mendonça, Pedro Lima
• Forwards: Babatunde Akinsola, Óscar Perea, Tomané

AVS Futebol SAD Tactics and Formation

AVS Futebol SAD Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Tomané
• Midfield Pivot: Roni and Gustavo Mendonça
• Defensive Challenges: No clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High possession with frequent shots but vulnerable on counterattacks.

AVS Futebol SAD typically line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, aiming to control the game through midfield dominance. Roni and Gustavo Mendonça form the midfield pivot, tasked with shielding the defence and initiating attacks. This approach has seen them achieve high possession statistics, as shown in their last match, where they controlled 58% possession.

Defensively, the backline featuring Ángel Algobia and Rúben Semedo has struggled to maintain solidity, conceding ten goals in the last five matches. The lack of clean sheets highlights their vulnerability, particularly against quick counterattacks, which Braga may exploit.

Offensively, AVS Futebol SAD rely on Tomané’s ability to convert chances, supported by Óscar Perea and Pedro Lima in attacking roles. Despite frequently creating scoring opportunities, their conversion rate remains a concern, as reflected in their recent scoring average of 1.0 goals per game.

Braga Analysis & Recent Performance

Braga have displayed impressive consistency, with three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five fixtures. This run includes an emphatic 5-0 victory over Alverca and a resilient 1-0 win against Nottingham Forest in the Europa League. Their only setback was a narrow 2-1 defeat to AD Fafe in the Taça de Portugal.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Go Ahead Eagles	Braga	0 – 0 (Draw)	Europa League	29 Jan 2026
Braga	Alverca	5 – 0 (Win)	Primeira Liga	25 Jan 2026
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

Recent Form:
Braga have shown a solid defensive setup, achieving four clean sheets in their last five matches and conceding only two goals. Offensively, they have been efficient, averaging 1.60 goals per game. Notably, Ricardo Horta stands out as their top scorer, contributing significantly to their attack with eight goals this season.

Looking at their away performance, Braga have secured two wins, two losses, and one draw in their last five away matches, with a win ratio of 0.40. This suggests a slight dip in form on the road, indicating a potential area for improvement. However, they have maintained a decent scoring average of two goals per game over their last ten matches, highlighting their ability to pose a threat away from home.

• DWWWL

Braga Suspensions & Injuries

Braga face several key absences due to injuries, which could impact their performance against AVS Futebol SAD. Notably, Amine El Ouazzani is sidelined with a broken foot and is expected to return by mid-March 2026. His absence in midfield may necessitate tactical changes, potentially affecting Braga’s ability to control the midfield and transition play. Sikou Niakaté, another vital player, is also out with a muscle injury and is expected back by mid-February 2026. This could weaken their defensive stability, forcing coach Carlos Vicens to rely on less experienced options.

Jonathas Noro’s Achilles tendon injury leaves his participation in doubt, adding to Braga’s defensive concerns. Ege Tiknaz is suffering from a virus and is considered day-to-day, which may limit squad rotation. These injuries could force Braga to adapt their formation, possibly opting for a more conservative approach to mitigate the loss of key personnel.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Jonathas Noro	Achilles tendon injury	Uncertain
Amine El Ouazzani	Broken foot	Mid March 2026
Ege Tiknaz	Virus	Day to day
Sikou Niakaté	Muscle injury	Mid February 2026

With these players unavailable, Braga’s depth will be tested. The potential absence of Niakaté in defence is particularly concerning, as he is pivotal in their backline. Braga may need to rely on players like Gustaf Lagerbielke and Bright Arrey-Mbi to step up, which could influence both their defensive solidity and the betting odds. The market may react to these injuries by adjusting expectations for Braga’s defensive performance in this match.

Braga Key Players

Braga’s attacking threat will centre on Ricardo Horta, their top scorer with eight goals this season. Horta’s versatility as a midfielder allows him to move into advanced positions, posing a constant danger to the opposition defence. His ability to link play and finish chances makes him a crucial part of Braga’s offensive strategy. Alongside him, Pau Víctor Delgado is expected to lead the line, with his physicality and positioning likely to trouble AVS Futebol SAD’s backline.

In midfield, the experienced João Moutinho will be pivotal in dictating the tempo of the match. His vision and passing accuracy are essential for transitioning from defence to attack. Defensively, Adrián León Barisic and Bright Arrey-Mbi form a solid partnership, tasked with maintaining a strong defensive setup. Their ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions will be vital in thwarting the opposition’s advances.

Expected lineup for Braga:

• Goalkeeper: Lukáš Horníček
• Defence: Vítor Carvalho, Adrián León Barisic, Bright Arrey-Mbi
• Midfield: Víctor Gómez, João Moutinho, Jean-Baptiste Gorby, Gabri Martínez, Rodrigo Zalazar, Ricardo Horta
• Forward: Pau Víctor Delgado

Braga Tactics and Formation

Braga Tactical Breakdown:

• Previous Formation: 3-5-2
• Key Forward: Fran Navarro
• Midfield Engine: Florian Grillitsch
• Defensive Resilience: Four clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Utilises width and a disciplined defensive structure.

Braga’s recent use of a 3-5-2 formation has been central to their tactical approach. This setup allows them to dominate midfield, with Florian Grillitsch orchestrating play, supported by Jean-Baptiste Gorby. Wide players Leonardo Lelo and Víctor Gómez provide width, stretching the opposition and creating space for the forwards.

Defensively, Braga have been formidable, recording four clean sheets in their last five outings. The back three, led by Gustaf Lagerbielke, ensures a compact defensive line, making it difficult for opponents to break through. This solid defence has been crucial to their strong form.

Offensively, Fran Navarro is a key figure, supported by Ricardo Horta, the team’s top scorer. Braga’s strategy often involves quick transitions and exploiting the flanks, making them dangerous on the counter and from set pieces.

AVS Futebol SAD vs Braga Head-to-Head Record

In their head-to-head record, Braga have the upper hand with two wins from three matches against AVS Futebol SAD, while the other match ended in a draw. The most recent encounter was an entertaining 2-2 draw in Liga Portugal, showing that AVS can challenge Braga.

When AVS Futebol SAD hosted Braga at the Estádio do CD Aves, they narrowly lost 0-1, indicating Braga’s ability to grind out results away from home. With Braga scoring seven goals to AVS’s three in these meetings, it’s clear they have been more clinical in front of goal.

Home Side	Away Side	Outcome	League	Date
Braga	AVS Futebol SAD	2 – 2	Liga Portugal	2025-08-24
Braga	AVS Futebol SAD	4 – 1	Liga Portugal	2025-04-13
AVS Futebol SAD	Braga	0 – 1	Liga Portugal	2024-12-01