Our prediction for this Europa League match:
Braga play host to Malmo at their Estadio Municipal de Braga in the Europa League last group game. A win over Malmo could see Braga book their spot in the Europa League knockout stages, and they are likely to go all guns blazing at the Swedish champions. Sequeira suffered an injury in a 1-0 loss to Gil Vicente, with fellow defender Paulo Oliveira likely to step up. Mexico international Diego Lainez has overcome his injury, and he should play some part in Thursday’s clash.
Malmo, on the other hand, do not seem to be competitive at this level, with the team suffering a loss in each of their five group games. The rock-bottom side are low on spirits ahead of the trip to Portugal, and we do not believe that they are capable of claiming a major scalp at Estadio Municipal. The bad news for the visitors is that important defender Dennis Hadzikadunic limped off with injury in a 5-2 win over Varberg.
Highlighted Player (Ricardo Horta):
Ricardo Horta is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays for Sporting Braga in Primeira Liga. Born in Sobreda, Portugal, on September 15, 1994, Ricardo Horta spent his youth career at Ginasio Corroios, Benfica, and Vitoria Setubal.
The 173-cm-tall winger continued playing for Setubal at the senior level, but he moved to Malaga in the summer of 2014, signing a five-year deal with the La Liga outfit. Ricardo Horta scored only one goal in 48 appearances for los Boquerones in the Spanish top flight before signing a loan deal with Braga. In July 2017, he signed a permanent contract with the Minhotos.
Ricardo Horta made his Primeira Liga debut against Rio Ave back in April 2013, during his spell with Vitoria Setubal. His primary position is left winger, but he is capable of producing good performances as a right winger as well. He made his Portugal debut in a 1-0 loss to Albania in the Euro 2016 qualifiers.
Highlighted Team (Malmo):
Founded on February 24, 1910, Malmo are a Swedish team that compete in Allsvenskan league. The Blues welcome their rivals at Stadion, Malmo, the venue which was opened in April, 2009. It is important to note that the stadium can hold up to 22,500 supporters of which 18,000 are seated.
Malmo are the most successful Swedish side, with the team winning their 23rd domestic trophy in 2017. The Blues finished the season seven points clear of AIK, scoring 63 goals and conceding 27 in the process. Speaking of the club’s European success, Malmo did well to make it to the European Cup final in the 1978/1979 season, but they eventually failed to win the trophy.
The Swedish side were beaten by Nottingham Forest in the title game (0-1), with Trevor John Francis scoring the only goal of the match. Malmo wear sky-blue shirts and white shorts when playing at home, whereas their away colour is black.