Braga Seek Way Off the Bottom Against Unbeaten Gent

The last time these sides met, in the UEFA Europa League in November 2016, Gent and SC Braga drew 2-2 in Ghent. Their other meeting, in Braga that September, ended 1-1, so neither side has yet won against the other.

Braga’s bid to climb off the bottom

SC Braga sit 35th of 36 teams in the Conference League table, with no points and a goal difference of minus three after one match. Their opening result was a defeat, and with the league phase only just under way, a slow start can quickly become a long chase. Thursday’s game is their first real chance to start pulling away from the foot of the standings.

Gent’s steadier start

Gent are 13th with three points from their opening match, a win that leaves them in a far healthier position. Their season is unbeaten so far, with four wins and three draws from seven games, and they have been particularly solid on the road, scoring four times in three away matches.

Braga have their own strengths. They have won all three home games this season, scoring seven times and conceding none. Gent, however, have proved harder to beat away from home, and that record will test the hosts.

Two meetings, two draws

Neither meeting between these clubs has produced a winner. Both finished level, and both showed that these sides tend to trade goals rather than dominate one another.

Our prediction

Braga’s home record is the strongest case in their favour: three wins and three clean sheets at their own ground this season. Gent arrive unbeaten and have shown they can score on the road, so this looks like a game in which both sides will create chances. We expect a tight contest, and a narrow home win would give Braga their first points and a much-needed lift.

SC Braga 2-1 Gent