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THE FACTS
When is Farense vs Sporting Braga on and what time does it start? Farense vs Sporting Braga will take place on Saturday 16th September, 2023 – 18:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Farense vs Sporting Braga? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What channel is Farense vs Sporting Braga on in the UK? Some Portuguese Primeira Liga matches are televised on either TNT Sports or Viaplay Sports in the UK so it is worth checking their schedules
Where can I Farense vs Sporting Braga in the UK? If televised on either TNT Sports or Viaplay Sports, the match can be streamed on their respective streaming platforms
THE LOWDOWN
FARENSE
Under the management of Vasco Faisca, Farense gained automatic promotion into the Portuguese top-flight. Over the summer, though, Faisca was replaced by Jose Mota, who was in charge of Pacos de Ferreira as they were relegated from the Primeira Liga last season. A battle against relegation is expected for the 2023/24 campaign.
The home team come into this on the back of a 1-0 defeat away to Famalicao in their most recent outing, a couple of weeks ago before the international break. In their four matches so far this season, they have suffered three defeats with one 5-0 hammering of Chaves, albeit Chaves have endured a horrendous start to the season.
SPORTING BRAGA
Following the departure of Carlos Carvalhal last summer, there will have been a little scepticism for Braga as they began life under the tutelage of Artur Jorge. However, they were very impressive and entertaining throughout the campaign as they finished in the top three, above Sporting CP, and qualifying for the UEFA Champions League.
In the qualifying rounds of the UEFA Champions League, they defeated both Backa Topola and Panathinaikos to reach the group stages. They come into this on the back of a thrilling 3-2 win away at newly-promoted Moreirense in their most recent outing, last weekend. That means all but one of their last seven matches across all competitions have featured both teams scoring.
THE TEAM NEWS
FARENSE
Jose Mota will be without a couple of key players with an injury to Jhon Velasquez as well as Maltese international Zach Muscat being suspended for this one.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Velho; Pastor, V.Oliveira, Silva, Talocha; M.Oliveira, Falcao, Isidoro; Belloumi, Costa, Matias
UNAVAILABLE: Muscat (Suspended), Velasquez (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
SPORTING BRAGA
Artur Jorge has UEFA Champions League football coming up but he has a fully fit and available squad so can name his best possible eleven for this weekend’s trip to Farense.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Matheus; Gomez, Fonte, Oliveira, Borja; Carvalho, A.Horta; Lopes, R.Horta, Bruma; Banza
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
Farense have started poorly so far this season. They are intending to play a proactive style, as shown by their 5-0 demolition of Chaves, but there are shades of Jose Mota’s Pacos de Ferreira side at the start of this campaign. Braga began relatively slowly and do have the added distraction of UEFA Champions League group stage football but, regardless of that, they are the firm favourites for this one and should come out on top.
TIP: BRAGA TO WIN