Our prediction for this Portugal Primeira Liga match:
Sporting
Match Time & Date:
22/01/2022
21:30
Prediction: 2-1
Braga
There will be fireworks when Sporting and Braga face each other at Estadio Jose Alvalade in the Primeira Liga round 19. The Lions aim to build on a 2-0 win over Vizela, and seeing that they are three points behind league leaders Porto, Saturday’s game is of big importance for the title holders. Geny Catamo has been tested positive for coronavirus, while Jovane Cabral is out of contention with injury.
Braga, on the other hand, aim to bounce back from a shocking 1-0 loss to Maritimo. The Reds, though, are not regarded as good travelers, which is probably the main reason why we are tempted to put our money on the reigning champions. Both Bruno Rodrigues and Ali Elmusrati are back from suspension for the visiting side, while head coach Carlos Carvalhal will have to watch the game from the stands.
Highlighted Player (Sebastian Coates):
Born in Montevideo, Uruguay, on October 7, 1990, Sebastian Coates is a 196-cm-tall defender who plays for Sporting CP in Primeira Liga. Coates is the product of the hometown club Nacional, and it has to be noted that he scored eight goals in 60 appearances for the capital club in the national championship.
After ending his spell with English club Sunderland, the Uruguay international moved to Portugal, signing a loan deal with Sporting CP in January 2016. He signed a permanent contract with the Lions in February 2017.
Speaking of his international career, Sebastian Coastes made his full Uruguay debut against Chile at the 2011 Copa America. La Celeste won the trophy, with the team beating Paraguay 3-0 in the final of the competition at Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti in Buenos Aires. Coates wears the number 4 shirt at Sporting CP, and 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.
