Tondela vs Braga Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Sunday, 18 January

Tondela will face Braga in what promises to be an intriguing Liga Portugal clash on Sunday, 18 January. The match will be played at Estádio João Cardoso, giving Tondela the benefit of familiar surroundings as they seek to make the most of their home advantage. This fixture is crucial for both sides as they look to climb the league table, with Braga aiming to assert their superiority and Tondela determined to prove themselves against a strong opponent.

Braga, renowned for their attacking strength, will be eager to secure a vital away win to strengthen their league position. Meanwhile, Tondela will hope to capitalise on their home ground to disrupt Braga’s ambitions. With both teams having different objectives, this match could have significant consequences for their respective campaigns. Supporters and punters alike will be watching closely, as this fixture could present some interesting betting opportunities.

Tondela vs Braga Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Tondela to win	5.7

Taking into account Tondela’s home advantage and the overall balance between the teams, our recommended betting tip is a draw. Both sides have shown similar recent form, with Tondela and Braga each winning two of their last five matches. The home factor for Tondela and the historically close scorelines between these two suggest a tightly contested affair.

• Tondela’s home advantage has historically kept matches close, as seen in their narrow 0-1 defeat to Braga last time.
• Braga’s tendency to concede, averaging 1.2 goals per game, could result in a closely fought match.
• Both teams have identical recent form, each recording two wins in their last five matches, indicating a balanced contest.

Betting Odds

As Tondela host Braga at Estádio João Cardoso, the betting odds clearly favour the visitors. Braga are priced at 1.59, reflecting their strong form and superior league standing. In contrast, Tondela’s odds of 5.7 indicate a challenging fixture ahead for the home side.

Betting Tip	Odds
Tondela to win	5.7
Draw	3.7
Braga to win	1.59

For those interested in betting on this Liga Portugal encounter, the draw at 3.7 could be appealing, especially considering Tondela’s potential to spring a surprise at home. Additionally, markets such as both teams to score may offer value given the attacking capabilities on both sides.

Tondela: Analysis & Recent Performance

Tondela’s recent form in Liga Portugal has been worrying, with just one win in their last five matches, resulting in a record of one win and four defeats. Their latest outing was a 0-1 loss to Moreirense, underlining their difficulties in turning possession into goals.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Moreirense	Tondela	1 – 0 (Defeat)	Primeira Liga	11 Jan 2026
Tondela	Arouca	3 – 1 (Victory)	Primeira Liga	3 Jan 2026
Tondela	Casa Pia AC	1 – 2 (Defeat)	Primeira Liga	21 Dec 2025
Nacional	Tondela	3 – 1 (Defeat)	Primeira Liga	15 Dec 2025
Tondela	FC Porto	0 – 2 (Defeat)	Primeira Liga	7 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
Tondela have managed to score only five goals in their last five games, averaging 1.00 goal per match, while conceding nine (an average of 1.80 per game). This defensive vulnerability has contributed to their current 17th place in the league, with only 12 points. Clean sheets have eluded them, as they have failed to keep any in recent fixtures.

The attack, led by top scorer Pedro Henrique with three goals this season, has struggled for consistency. Despite scoring in three of their last five matches, their inability to maintain a solid defence has left them exposed. Their home form follows a similar trend, with just one win in their last five matches at Estádio João Cardoso.

Tactically, Tondela need to shore up their defensive organisation and find a better balance to enable more effective transitions from defence to attack. The lack of clean sheets highlights the need for improved defensive discipline, while their modest scoring record suggests a need for strategic adjustments in attack.

• LWLLL

Tondela: Suspensions & Injuries

Ahead of their match against Braga, Tondela have no injuries or suspensions affecting their squad. This gives coach Cristiano Bacci the luxury of choosing from a full roster, potentially providing Tondela with an edge in terms of tactical flexibility and squad depth.

With key players such as Bernardo Fontes in goal and a defensive line featuring Bebeto and Christian Marques, Tondela can field their preferred starting eleven. The midfield, bolstered by Hugo Félix and Juan Rodriguez, will be crucial in dictating the tempo.

The absence of unavailable players means Tondela can deploy their strongest attacking options, including Jordan Siebatcheu, who will be vital in breaking down Braga’s defence. This full squad availability may also encourage Bacci to opt for a more attacking formation, possibly shifting to a 4-3-3 to maximise their offensive potential.

Given the complete availability of the squad, betting markets may see a slight shift in Tondela’s favour, as they can approach the match without the usual constraints of injuries or suspensions. This could influence the odds, particularly if punters believe Tondela’s full-strength lineup can pose a real challenge to Braga.

Tondela: Key Players

For Tondela, Pedro Henrique stands out as the team’s leading scorer with three goals this season. His ability to find the net will be crucial against Braga. Playing as a forward, Henrique’s sharpness in front of goal and his knack for finding space in the box make him a constant threat to opposing defences. His partnership with fellow forwards Tiago Manso and Ivan Cavaleiro will be pivotal in breaking down Braga’s back line.

In midfield, Joe Hodge and Cícero Clebson Alves Santana are expected to play key roles. Hodge’s vision and passing range provide the creativity needed to unlock defences, while Santana’s energy and ball-winning skills ensure Tondela remain competitive in midfield battles. Their performances will be vital in setting the tempo and maintaining possession.

Expected lineup for Tondela

• Goalkeeper: Bernardo
• Defenders: Bebeto, Christian Marques, Brayan Medina, Nor Maviram
• Midfielders: Joe Hodge, Cícero Clebson Alves Santana, Pedro Maranhão
• Forwards: Tiago Manso, Ivan Cavaleiro, Jordan Siebatcheu

In defence, Christian Marques and Brayan Medina form a solid partnership at the heart of Tondela’s back line. Their reading of the game and ability to make crucial interceptions could be decisive in thwarting Braga’s attacking threats. With Bernardo in goal, Tondela’s defensive unit will need to be at their best to secure a positive result.

Tondela: Tactics and Formation

Tondela Tactical Breakdown:

• Recent Formation: 4-1-4-1
• Key Forward: Jordan Siebatcheu
• Midfield Engine: Juan Rodriguez and Joe Hodge
• Defensive Concerns: No clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Focus on possession and quick transitions.

In recent matches, Tondela have employed a 4-1-4-1 formation, aiming to strike a balance between defensive solidity and attacking support. The lone striker, Jordan Siebatcheu, leads the line, with midfielders Juan Rodriguez and Joe Hodge playing pivotal roles in maintaining possession and dictating the pace.

Defensively, the back four of Bebeto, Christian Marques, Brayan Medina, and Emmanuel Maviram have struggled to keep clean sheets, conceding in each of their last five matches. This highlights a need for greater defensive cohesion and communication to prevent opposition breakthroughs.

In attack, Tondela look to exploit quick transitions, utilising the technical skills of Pedro Henrique, their top scorer, to take advantage of space behind opposition lines. Despite their recent form, the team remain a threat through their ability to maintain possession and create chances.

Braga: Analysis & Recent Performance

Braga’s recent form has been mixed, with their last five matches yielding one win, two draws, and two defeats. The team have scored in all five games, averaging 2.00 goals per match, but have also conceded an average of 2.00 goals, highlighting ongoing defensive issues.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
AD Fafe	Braga	2 – 1 (Loss)	Portuguese Cup	14 Jan 2026
Vitória de Guimarães	Braga	2 – 1 (Loss)	League Cup	10 Jan 2026
Benfica	Braga	1 – 3 (Win)	League Cup	7 Jan 2026
Estrela da Amadora	Braga	3 – 3 (Draw)	Primeira Liga	3 Jan 2026
Braga	Benfica	2 – 2 (Draw)	Primeira Liga	28 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

• LLWDD

Despite netting 10 goals in their last five outings, Braga have struggled to maintain defensive solidity, failing to keep a clean sheet in these fixtures. Their away record mirrors their overall form, with two wins, two losses, and one draw in their last five away matches, indicating a 40% win rate on the road. This pattern points to a tendency for high-scoring encounters, as seen by both teams scoring in all of their recent games.

Braga: Suspensions & Injuries

Braga have several injury concerns ahead of their match with Tondela, which could influence their tactical approach. The absence of Amine El Ouazzani, sidelined with a broken foot until mid-March 2026, leaves a gap in attack and may lead to greater reliance on Fran Navarro up front. Jonathas Noro and Sandro Vidigal are both doubtful; Noro’s Achilles tendon injury could affect defensive depth, while Vidigal’s uncertain fitness adds to midfield worries, forcing coach Carlos Vicens to adjust his selection.

These injuries could have a significant tactical impact, especially in maintaining defensive stability and attacking fluidity. With Noro possibly missing out, Braga may opt for a more cautious approach to protect their back line, while also needing creative solutions to sustain their attacking threat without El Ouazzani. The midfield will need to step up, possibly requiring a change in formation or the introduction of less experienced players.

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

Given these injury issues, Braga’s betting odds may fluctuate as their squad depth is tested. The availability of players like Fran Navarro and Ricardo Horta remains crucial to their chances. Tondela may see an opportunity to exploit any defensive frailties or lack of attacking depth in Braga’s line-up. Punters should keep an eye on late fitness updates before placing bets, as the absence of key players could swing the match’s momentum.

Braga: Key Players

Ricardo Horta has been a standout for Braga, leading the team with seven goals this season. As the top scorer, Horta’s clinical finishing and ability to exploit space make him a constant threat. His goalscoring prowess will be central to Braga’s attacking strategy against Tondela.

Alongside Horta, the forward pair of Fran Navarro and Pau Víctor Delgado are vital to Braga’s offensive setup. Navarro’s agility and Delgado’s strength in holding up play provide a balanced attack capable of unlocking Tondela’s defence. In midfield, João Moutinho’s experience and playmaking ability will be key in dictating the tempo and linking up with the forwards. At the back, Bright Arrey-Mbi’s commanding presence brings solidity and composure, which will be crucial in the search for a clean sheet.

Expected lineup for Braga

• Goalkeeper: Lukas Horníček
• Defenders: Victor Gómez, Bright Arrey-Mbi, Vítor Carvalho, Leonardo Lelo
• Midfielders: Jean-Baptiste Gorby, Mário Dorgeles, João Moutinho, Gabriel Moscardo
• Forwards: Fran Navarro, Pau Víctor Delgado

The influence of these players is considerable, with Horta’s finishing and Moutinho’s midfield mastery providing a strong foundation for Braga’s tactical plan. The defensive reliability of Arrey-Mbi, combined with the attacking flair of Navarro and Delgado, positions Braga as a formidable opponent, capable of swift counter-attacks and disciplined defending.

Braga: Tactics and Formation

Braga Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Fran Navarro
• Midfield Pivot: Florian Grillitsch and Jean-Baptiste Gorby
• Defensive Strength: Struggled with clean sheets, none in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High possession play and exploiting wide areas.

Braga typically set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, allowing them to maintain high possession and dictate the tempo. The midfield pivot of Florian Grillitsch and Jean-Baptiste Gorby is crucial for transitioning the ball from defence to attack, while Ricardo Horta, operating as the number ten, provides creativity and a goal threat.

Defensively, Braga have struggled, as shown by their lack of clean sheets in recent outings. The back line, usually featuring Victor Gómez and Paulo Oliveira, must tighten up, especially when dealing with set pieces, where they have shown vulnerability.

In attack, Braga use their possession-based style to stretch opponents by utilising the flanks. With Fran Navarro leading the line, they look to create chances through wide play and quick combinations. However, the absence of Amine El Ouazzani and Sandro Vidigal due to injuries may necessitate tactical adjustments, particularly in attacking transitions.

Tondela vs Braga: Head-to-Head Record

In the head-to-head record between Tondela and Braga, Braga have been dominant, winning 14 of 17 encounters, with Tondela managing just two victories and one draw. Their last meeting saw Braga claim a comfortable 3-0 home win in Liga Portugal.

The last time Tondela hosted Braga at Estádio João Cardoso, they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat in February 2022. Tondela have struggled for success against Braga, particularly at home, where Braga’s attacking prowess has often proved too much.

Home Team	Away Team	Score	League	Date
Braga	Tondela	3 – 0	Primeira Liga	2025-08-10
Tondela	Braga	0 – 1	Primeira Liga	2022-02-20
Braga	Tondela	3 – 1	Primeira Liga	2021-09-20
Braga	Tondela	4 – 2	Primeira Liga	2021-02-21
Tondela	Braga	0 – 4	Primeira Liga	2020-10-03