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Braga will aim to continue their push for a Champions League spot when they host Gil Vicente in the Primeira Liga on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at 6pm UK time. The Arsenalistas are in strong form, having won their last four league matches, while Gil Vicente are looking to bounce back from back-to-back defeats.

Interesting Fact: Braga have won four consecutive Primeira Liga matches, their best run of the season, and are just four points behind second-placed Benfica.

Team Analysis

Braga

Braga are in excellent form, having won their last four league matches and losing just one of their last nine. Carlos Carvalhal’s side are fourth in the table, four points behind Benfica, and will be eager to close the gap with a victory.

Current Form:

• Last 5 matches: 4 wins, 1 loss.
• Last match: 2-1 win over Moreirense in the Primeira Liga.

Key Players:

• Ricardo Horta: The forward has been Braga’s standout performer, with seven goals this season.
• João Moutinho: The veteran midfielder’s experience and creativity are crucial to Braga’s success.

Injuries/Suspensions:

• Tiago Helguera (out, injury).
• Sikou Niakaté (doubtful, injury).

Home Form:
Braga have been solid at home, with four wins, three draws, and three losses in 10 Primeira Liga matches at Estádio Municipal de Braga this season.

Gil Vicente

Gil Vicente are in a precarious position, sitting 12th in the table and just five points above the relegation playoff spot. Bruno Pinheiro’s side have lost their last two matches and will be eager to return to winning ways.

Current Form:

• Last 5 matches: 1 win, 2 draws, 2 losses.
• Last match: 2-1 loss to Estoril in the Primeira Liga.

Key Players:

• Félix Correia: The winger is Gil Vicente’s top scorer with six goals this season.
• Kanya Fujimoto: The midfielder’s creativity and work rate are crucial to Gil Vicente’s structure.

Injuries/Suspensions:

• Rúben Fernandes (suspended).

Away Form:
Gil Vicente have been poor on the road, with just one win, three draws, and six losses in 10 away matches this season.

Head-to-Head and Past Encounters

The last meeting between these two sides was in September 2024, when they played out a goalless draw. Braga have been dominant in recent head-to-head encounters, losing just one of their last five league meetings with Gil Vicente.

Key Stats:

• Braga have won four consecutive Primeira Liga matches.
• Gil Vicente have kept just one clean sheet in their last 10 away matches.

Prediction

Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Braga 2-0 Gil Vicente

Braga’s strong form and home advantage make them clear favourites for this clash. Gil Vicente’s struggles on the road and lack of consistency suggest they will find it difficult to get a result. Expect Braga to dominate possession and create numerous chances, with Ricardo Horta likely to be the difference-maker.

Betting Tips

• Both Teams to Score: No
  Gil Vicente have struggled to score in recent away matches.
• Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over
  Braga’s recent matches have been high-scoring, with three of their last five featuring over 2.5 goals.
• Anytime Goalscorer: Ricardo Horta
  The in-form forward is likely to find the net.

Hot Stat

Braga have scored in each of their last nine Primeira Liga matches, showcasing their attacking consistency.

Possible Lineups

Braga (4-2-3-1):
Horníček; Gómez, Oliveira, Arrey-Mbi, Chissumba; Moutinho, Gorby; Fernandes, Horta, Gharbi; Navarro.

Gil Vicente (4-3-3):
Andrew; Sá, Gbane, Elimbi; Carlos, Fujimoto, Caseres, Cruz; Mboula, Aguirre, Correia.