Our prediction for this Europa League match:
Boras Arena will be the centre of attention when Elfsborg and Braga take on each other in the Europa League round 4. Elfsborg aim to build on a hard-fought 1-0 win over Vasteras, but they will have a mountain to climb against Braga. Head coach Oscar Hiljemark should have a full squad to choose from. The Reds, on the other hand, are on a three-game winning run in all competitions.
Braga suffered a 2-1 loss to Bodo in their last Europa League game, but it has to be noted that they failed to turn their dominance into goals. Although defender Sikou Niakate is suspended for Thursday's game, away win should be considered, as Braga’s experience in European competitions gives them an edge over Elfsborg. Bright Arrey-Mbi and Robson Bambu should be the only absentees in the visiting team, while star player Ricardo Horta returns to the starting XI.
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.