The Matchday 8 clash in the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League between Braga (Portugal) and Lazio (Italy) will take place on January 30 at the Estádio Municipal de Braga. Braga vs. Lazio: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Braga
In the previous round, Carlos Carvalhal's side suffered a 1-2 defeat away to Belgian club Union. This loss marked Braga's second consecutive defeat in the Europa League and their fourth in the group stage. Moreover, the team has failed to score more than one goal in five of their last six matches in this tournament. As a result, the Portuguese side is drifting away from the playoff zone: they have seven points and sit in 27th place in the standings. Only a win can keep their hopes alive for advancing to the next round.
Midfielder Vitor Carvalho Vieira and forward Bruma will miss the game due to suspensions.
- The team has not lost in regular time in 5 of their last 6 home matches in the Europa League (4 wins, 1 draw).
- Both opponents scored in 7 of Braga's last 9 home games in this European competition.
- The Portuguese side scored at least two goals in regular time in 6 of their last 8 home matches in the Europa League.
Lazio
Marco Baroni's side defeated Real Sociedad 3-1 at home in the previous round, marking the fourth time in this Europa League campaign that they scored at least three goals. Six wins and one draw in the group stage have already secured them a spot in the Round of 16. Additionally, Lazio has a strong chance of maintaining their top position in the standings – even a draw against the Portuguese would suffice.
Defenders Nuno Tavares and Patric Gabarrón, as well as midfielders Manuel Lazzari and Matias Vecino, will miss the game due to injuries. Midfielders Mattia Zaccagni and Nicolò Rovella are out due to yellow card suspensions.
- The club has not lost in regular time in 4 of their last 5 away matches in the Europa League (3 wins, 1 draw).
- At least three goals have been scored in 6 of Lazio's last 9 away games in this European competition.
- The Romans have not conceded more than one goal in regular time in their last five away games in the Europa League.
Predicted lineups for Braga vs. Lazio
Braga (4-3-3): Lukasz Gorniczek – Sikou Niakate, Paulo Oliveira, Robson Bambu, Roger Fernandes – Jean-Baptiste Gorby, Joao Moutinho, Ricardo Horta – Gabi Martinez, Amin El Wazzani, Bruma.
Lazio (4-4-2): Christos Mandas – Adam Marusic, Mario Gila, Alessio Romagnoli, Nuno Tavares – Mattia Zaccagni, Nicolò Rovella, Matteo Guendouzi, Gustav Isaksen – Valentin Castellanos, Boulaye Dia.
Each team's starting lineup from their previous match in this tournament is listed.
Referee: John Brooks (England)
Matches – 5 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 24;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.8;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 24;
Penalties – 20%.
Braga vs. Lazio: Match Prediction
The Portuguese side plays boldly at home and tries to spend as much time as possible in attack, regardless of the opponents' level. The support of the fans often helps Braga create many chances up front, resulting in goals. In 15 of their last 16 home matches in the Europa League, the team has scored during regular time, with at least two goals in ten of those games. However, defensively, they are not always reliable: in their last nine home games in this European competition, Braga has kept a clean sheet only three times.
Lazio also prefers attacking football and has no issues with scoring, even away from home: in 7 of their last 9 away matches in the Europa League, the team has found the net, and in this tournament's current edition, they have scored eight goals in three away games. At the same time, the team cannot boast of a strong defensive performance: in 14 of their last 18 away matches in the Europa League, Lazio has failed to keep a clean sheet.
I expect a high-scoring game in this encounter, so my prediction: Both teams to score – yes
