Bitesize Prediction: Nacional vs Braga – 12/04/23

Competition: Taca de Portugal

Market: Braga win

Odds: 4/6 @ 888sport

Looking to claim a first-leg advantage when they open their Taca de Portugal semi-final adventure on Wednesday night, Barga will make the trip to Nacional.

Starting with the hosts, while Nacional might have continued on a famous Taco de Portugal run this season, Felipe Candido finds his side in the midst of an extended rut. Last seen over the weekend putting in a nightmare display on home soil as they were hit with a routine 3-0 drumming at the hands of Oliveirense, the Alvinegros will be more than aware that they face a huge challenge when Braga arrive at the Estadio do Madeira on Wednesday night. Only show a host of recent issues on either side of the international break, the second-tier outfit have now lost each of their last three straight appearances. With their worrying blip highlighted by a 4-0 hammering away at Vilafranquense, Nacional have quickly gained a reputation for their defensive issues. In fact, along with collecting just a single point from any of their last four Liga 2 contests, it should also be noted that the midweek hosts have shipped 11 strikes on their four-match winless run.

As for the visitors, continuing on what has been a stellar run of form on either side of the international break, the mood in Braga’s camp should be at a red-hot high. Last seen over the weekend picking up some perfect momentum as they cruised their way to a 4-1 romp at home against Estoril, Arthur Jorge’s side should be confident of claiming a first-leg advantage when they turn their attention back to Taca de Portugal duties on Wednesday night. Marking their return from the fortnight interval on April 2nd thanks to a 2-1 victory away at Chaves, the Archbishops are now unbeaten in each of their last five showdowns against top-flight opposition. With their eye-catching flurry underlined by a 4-0 win away at Vizela on March 11th, Braga have certainly found a recent clinical edge in the final third. Claiming a 2-1 win when they last travels to Nacional for a Primeira Liga showdown back in February 2021, a similar away win can be found at appealing odds here.

Bet: Braga 4/6 to beat Nacional in Wednesday’s Taca de Portugal semi-final @ 888sport