Our prediction for this Portugal Primeira Liga match:
All eyes will be on Estadio de Sao Miguel when Santa Clara and Braga face each other in the Primeira Liga round 7. Santa Clara have been playing below expectations in the new Primeira Liga campaign, but it has to be noted that key attacker Carlos Carvalho left the club in the summer transfer window. Os Acoreanos continue with their habit of producing much better showings at home than on the travels, but they face an uphill task in Sunday’s football match.
Since Santa Clara failed to impress in a 2-1 loss at Portimonense, home win should not be considered. Both Costinha and Villanueva have been struggling with injuries of late. Braga, on the other hand, aim to build on a 3-1 win over Tondela, and given their attacking potential, we believe that punters from all around the globe can find value in betting on the visitors. Iuri Medeiros is pushing for a start after scoring a brace at the weekend.
Highlighted Player (Fabio Cardoso):
Fabio Cardoso is a Portuguese defender who was born in Agueda (Portugal) on April 19, 1994. Cardoso started his youth career at his hometown club Agueda, but in 2008 he continued his development at Benfica. After scoring three goals in 55 appearances for Benfica B, he spent the 2015/2016 season on loan at Pacos Ferreira.
In the summer of 2017, he signed a four-year deal with Vitoria Setubal, but he spent only one season at Estadio do Bonfim. Cardoso joined Scottish club Glasgow Rangers in June 2017, signing a three-year contract with the club for a fee of around £1.3 million.
The Portuguese defender, though, made no more than 12 appearances for the Gers, joining Santa Clara in the summer of 2018. Fabio Cardoso has four caps with the Portugal U20 team, but he has yet to earn a call-up for the senior team. His primary position is a centre-back, but he is often used as a left-back. His preferred foot is right.
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.