Prediction: Braga vs Panathinaikos

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 2/5

Bookmaker: Luckster

Two sides who will be desperate to pick up a first-leg advantage on Wednesday night, Braga will host Greek giants Panathinaikos in what could be a lively affair.

Braga

Starting with the hosts, while Braga might have opened the 2023/24 campaign with a shock 2-1 loss at home against Famalicao on August 11th, Arthur Jorge’s men have certainly proven that performance was nothing more than a minor blip. Extending on their Champions League qualifying adventure earlier in the month as they breezed their way to a routine 7-1 aggregate romp against TSC, the Portuguese outfit will know the importance of claiming a first-leg advantage here. Picking up some perfect momentum over the weekend as they picked up their first Primeira Liga victory of the season thanks to an action-packed 4-2 win away at Chaves, Jorge’s men will be desperate for a repeat display here. However, although Braga might have found a real clinical edge in the final third, it should be noted that Wednesday’s hosts have recorded just a pair of clean sheets from their last 10 competitive appearances continuing on from last season.

Team News

Coming off the bench and bagging a late strike against Chaves over the weekend and now finding the net in each of his last three appearances, Pizzi should spearhead Braga’s charge here. The 33-year-old could replace Abel Ruiz in the final third.

Former Southampton defender Jose Fonte will once again partner ex-Metz star Sikou Niakate at the back. Matheus Magalhaes will start between the sticks on Wednesday night.

Panathinaikos

As for the visitors, eventually extending on their Champions League qualifying adventure last week as they secured a famous penalties victory away at French giants Marseille, Panathinaikos will undoubtedly find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Collecting a heavyweight European scalp and springing a major upset on foreign soil, there is no doubt that Ivan Jovanovic’s men will be looking for a repeat performance here. Although the Greek giants might have been disappointed after having to settle for a Super League silver medal finish last season, the Greens should be excited by their continued success on the road. Including that famous penalties victory away at Marseille last time out, Panathinaikos have lost just one of their last 10 competitive away fixtures continuing on from last season – a run that stems all the way back to January 30th. Despite being tipped as an underdog pick here, Jovanovic’s side could be smelling the chance to spring another upset.

Team News

Bagging that famous last-gasp strike away at Marseille last week, 23-year-old Fotis Ioannidis will be hoping for a full recall on Wednesday night. Likewise, ex-Everton attacker Bernard should be handed a full recall here.

Summer arrival and former Espanyol midfielder Tonny Vilhena will once again partner 34-year-old Ruben Perez in the middle of the park. One-time Empoli shot-stopper Alberto Brignoli will start between the sticks in midweek.

Key Factors to Consider

• Braga have notched a quartet of strikes in their back-to-back appearances across all competitions over the past week.
• However, Wednesday’s hosts have recorded just a pair of clean sheets from their last 10 competitive appearances continuing on from last season.
• Nine of Braga’s last 10 Champions League home fixtures have finished with over 1.5 goals.
• Panathinaikos have lost just one of their last 10 competitive away fixtures continuing on from last season – a run that stems all the way back to January 30th.
• However, the Greek giants have recorded just one clean sheet from their last four away fixtures across all formats.

Conclusion

Producing that famous performance away at Marseille last week as they edged their way past the French giants, Panathinaikos will certainly travel out to Portugal with the mood in their camp at a real high. Although Jovanovic’s men might be tipped as an underdog pick here, they have proven that they will be a stern challenge. With Braga continuing to gain a reputation for their action-packed affairs, neutrals could be treated to another thriller on Wednesday night. It should be noted, with the midweek hosts seeing nine of their last 10 Champions League home fixtures finish with over 1.5 goals, we are expecting a similar outcome here.

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 2/5

Bookmaker: Luckster