Our prediction for this Portugal Primeira Liga match:
All eyes will be on Estadio da Luz when Benfica and Braga face each other in the Primeira Liga derby. The Eagles are eager to cement top position in the standings, but their display in a 2-0 win over Gil Vicente was anything but brilliant. Both Chiquinho and Musa are pushing for recalls to the starting XI after the duo helped the team improve their game at the weekend, while Julian Draxler remains doubtful.
The visitors, on the other hand, are on the right track to book their place in the Champions League qualifiers. Braga are on a five-match winning run, but beating Benfica on the road is easier said than done. With no fresh injury worries to report, Artur Jorge is unlikely to make changes to the team that defeated Portimonense 4-1 in the last league match. The 51-year-old tactician should stick to the 4-4-2 formation.
Highlighted Player (Alex Grimaldo):
Alex Grimaldo is a Spanish footballer who plays for Portuguese side Benfica as a left back. Born in Valencia on September 20, 1995, Grimaldo started his youth career at his hometown club FC Valencia, but in 2008 Barcelona scouts brought him to Camp Nou.
The 171-cm-tall footballer scored six goals in 92 appearances for Barca B before joining Primeira Liga club Benfica in the winter of 2015. Alex Grimaldo made his debut with the Eagles on January 26, 2016 in a 6-1 win at Moreirense in the Taca da Liga. Speaking of his Primeira Liga debut, Grimaldo played his first league game for Benfica on February 29, 2016 in a 2-0 win over Uniao Leiria.
The Benfica defender has two caps for Spain U21 team, but he has yet to make his debut with the senior team. His main position is left-back, but he is capable of producing fine performances as a left winger as well.
Highlighted Team (Braga):
Braga are a Portuguese club that have always been in the shadow of Primeira Liga giants Porto, Benfica and Sporting. Os Minhotos were founded on 19 January, 1921 and they originally played in green and white kits. After the World War II they changed their kits to red and they have been wearing red shirts and white shorts ever since.
Braga play their home games at Estadio Municipal de Braga, the stadium that was opened in December, 2003. Os Minhotos have yet to win the Primeira Liga title, but they finished the 2009/2010 campaign in second position in the standings, just five points behind champions Benfica.
In 2011 Braga participated in the Europa League final, but fellow Portuguese outfit Porto proved to be a big catch for Os Minhotos. Anyhow, that is regarded as the club’s biggest success. Vitoria de Guimaraes are considered Braga’s bitter rivals and the two teams face each other in the Minho derby.