Brondby v Sporting Braga
Thursday 8th August 1730hrs
Football – Europe – Europa League
Pick Both teams to score
Bookmaker Marathon Bet
Odds: 19/20 (odds taken 22.00 GMT, Tuesday 6 August)
 |
1 | X | 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3/2 | 23/10 | 33/20 |
* (Betting Odds were taken from 22Bet on August 6, 2019 at 22.00)
It’s the penultimate stage of qualification in the Europa League as Brondby host Sporting Braga in the first leg, hoping to take a lead with them to Portugal next Thursday.
Europa League Betting at Marathon Bet
Brondby Preview – Can Danes get result that would give them a chance of progressing next week?
It may still only be in the qualifying rounds but Brondby have still had a dramatic time of it so far. The Danish club looked to have eased past Inter Turku of Finland with minimal fuss following a 4-1 home win in the first leg. They contrived to make the return match as difficult as possible, however, losing 2-0 and just about scraping past. That ensured they avoided an embarrassing exit at the first huddle. It was even tighter in the last round where they required extra time. Granted, that tie was against a much more difficult opponent in the shape of Lechia Gdansk. The Polish club made home advantage count to win 2-1 in the first leg. Brondby were able to mirror that score line back in Denmark to take the tie beyond 90 minutes. As tends to be the case in these circumstances it was the home team who prevailed with two goals from Brondby coming in extra time.
The big games keep on coming from the Danes though and Sporting Braga represent another step-up in class for Brondby. Their early season domestic form has been somewhat inconsistent with two wins and a defeat from their first four games. It’s a really hectic period for clubs like them who start from the first round. Trying to balance domestic and European commitments is never easy, especially so early in a campaign.
Sporting Braga Preview – Will visitors find an important away goal and take control of this tie?
Unlike their opponents on Thursday, Braga are only beginning their European campaign for the season. The Portuguese club benefit from having a better coefficient – both in terms of their own performances in Europe and that of clubs from Portugal as a whole. That recent form has included reaching the last 32 in 2018 where they lost out to eventual finalists Marseille. It was not as positive last time around, however, as Braga were knocked out at this stage 12 months ago. A disappointing loss to Ukrainian club FC Zorya on away goals means they will be even more desperate to make progress in this year’s Europa League.
Sa Pinto enjoyed a terrific career as a player and reached the final of this competition when at Sporting Lisbon. Having coached in a variety of countries he now finds himself back in his homeland in charge of Braga. With the club’s domestic season still not underway, this will be his first competitive game in charge. The objectives will be similar to last season. Get the club qualified for Europe via the league and attempt to make it beyond Christmas in the Europa League.
Key-Facts – Brondby v Sporting Braga
- The Danish have saw off Inter Turki and Lechia Gdansk already in Europa League qualification but this is another step-up
- Sporting Braga only enter at this stage of qualifying due to their and their country’s higher coefficient
- The winners of this tie would face either Lokomotiv Plovdiv or Strasbourg in the playoff round
Brondby v Sporting Braga Betting Advice
Brondby may well be the underdogs to progress from this tie but they do have a couple of things in their favour that they may look to take advantage of. Compared to their opponents their season is well underway. Not only will this be their third European tie, but Brondby have also played four league games. There is also some doubt as to how Braga will perform under their new manager with this being his first match in charge. The friendly games they have contested so far have not been overly convincing.
What is obvious from what we know is that it’s a clash of two very different styles. Brondby are a very attacking an energetic side. In contrast, Braga are a much more technical and well organised team who will look to counter on their hosts at every opportunity. That could well be how the game pans out and if the visitors are sharp enough then they can take advantage of the spaces they will likely get. Both teams to score looks an appealing bet because of that.
