WOLVES v BRAGA 
Thursday 19thSeptember 2000hrs
Football – Europe – Europa League
Pick Wolves win
Bookmaker Comeon
Odds: 1.63 (odds taken 13:16 GMT, 18 September )
 |
1 | X | 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.58 | 3.88 | 6.05 |
(Betting Odds were taken from 22Bet on September 18, 2019 at 13:16)
The opening matches of Matchday 1 in the Europa League commence on Thursday night and our next preview features a Group K clash between Wolves and Braga as the betting tips continue at Molineux.
Wolves Prediction – Can Wolves shrug off recent defeats?
Wolves head into their opening match in Group K following back-to-back defeats in the Premier League which won’t have done the hosts any favours, but they’ll be keen to return to winning ways on Thursday night as Wolves manager, Nuno Espirito Santo pits his wits against his compatriots.
Recent losses away at Everton 3-2 and a heavy 5-2 loss at home to Chelsea on the weekend may serve as a harsh wake-up call for the west midlands outfit, but with home advantage and a fresh start in the group stage of the Europa League, this could work in Wolves’ favour in this clash.
The hosts entered the Europa League at the 2nd qualifying round stage where they made short work of Irish side, Crusaders, as Wolves ran out comfortable 6-1 winners on aggregate, and this easy win was followed by another as they cruised to an 8-0 aggregate win over Armenian club, Pyunik.
Wolves then faced their toughest test yet as they came up against Serie A side, Torino, but again Wolves prevailed in a 5-3 aggregate win to reach these group stages for the first time in their history.
Braga Prediction – Can Braga get something at Molineux?
Thursday night’s visitors, Sporting Braga, also make their way into this Group K opening match against Wolves having suffered back-to-back defeats in the domestic top flight as they were handed a 4-0 defeat at home by Benifa which was followed by a 1-0 loss away from home at Vitoria Setubal.
Sporting Braga entered the Europa League one round later than Wolves and they secured a 7-3 aggregate win over Danish side, Brondby in the 3rd qualifying round which was followed by a play-off 3-1 aggregate win against Russian Premier League side, Spartak Moscow, so they too have reason to be confident ahead of this clash.
It’s true that Sporting Braga possess more experience and pedigree at Europa League level than their hosts, but having won just 4 away matches out of their last 14 matches on their travels, Braga have been far from convincing on the road in this competition.
In addition, these last 14 away matches in the Europa League have seen Braga concede in each and every game, so this presents Wolves with a very decent opportunity to get their campaign off to a winning start.
Key-Facts – Wolves v Braga
- Wolves have won all 6 of their Europa League ties overall so far this season
- Wolves have scored 19 goals and conceded just 4 in reply to date in the EL
- Braga have won just 4 of their last 14 away ties in the Europa League
Betting Tips Verdict
Despite back-to-back losses in the Premier League, Wolves have the quality to get a result in front of a noisy and packed Molineux.
