Preview: Braga vs. Ludogorets Razgrad - prediction, team news, lineups

Ludogorets Razgrad are on the verge of equalling an unwanted record in the Europa League as they prepare for Thursday evening's trip to Group F rivals Braga.

The Bulgarian side have gone 15 games without a win in the competition, one short of the record held by Rosberg, and must end that run if they are to have any hope of advancing.

Match preview

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Ludogorets' winless run was prolonged with a 1-0 loss at home to Braga when the sides faced off a fortnight ago, with Ricardo Horta's early goal proving the difference in that one.

That followed a defeat by the same scoreline to Red Star Belgrade and a 1-1 draw at FC Midtjylland, leaving the Eagles with one point and bottom of the Group F standings.

Their domestic form could not be much different, having won 13 games in a row in the league and cup, but Stanislav Genchev's side have been unable to carry that into Europe.

Another game without victory on Thursday will kill off Ludogorets' chances of finishing in the top two, which would be considered a disappointment for the Bulgarian champions.

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Braga are in direct competition with Red Star for top spot - and automatic entry to the last 16 - with half of the group fixtures now having been played.

The Archbishops lost to Red Star in their opening games but have followed that up with wins against Midtjylland and Braga, yet they still remain one point off top spot.

Since that loss to Red Star, Braga have gone nine without defeat in all competitions, winning six of those.

Indeed, Carlos Carvalhal's charges have gone five games without conceding in all competitions ahead of this visit of Ludogorets to Estadio Municipal de Braga.

Braga also boast an impressive record at home in the Europa League proper, losing just twice across their last 11 games.

Team News

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Ludogorets are expected to name a similar side to the one that started the reverse fixture two weeks ago.

Horta scored the winner in that game, but it is Wanderson Galeno who has been Braga's star man in the Europa League, having scored three of their five goals so far.

Abel Ruiz and Iuri Medeiros should get the nod alongside Galeno in the frontline.

As for Ludogorets, they are without Higinio Marin, Cauly and Wanderson through injury.

Igor Plastun was a half-time substitute in the reverse fixture and is pushing for a recall here, as is Dimitar Mitkov.

Braga possible starting lineup:
Matheus; Fabiano, Oliveira, Leite, Sequeira; Castro, Musrati, Horta; Medeiros, Ruiz, Galeno

Ludogorets Razgrad possible starting lineup:
Kahlina; Cicinho, Sa, Plastun, Ikoko; Badji, Goncalves; Tekpetey; Yankov, Despodov; Sotiriou

We say: Braga 1-0 Ludogorets Razgrad

Ludogorets need a victory to have any chance of remaining in the Europa League, whereas Braga are looking to keep the pressure on Group F leaders Red Star.

The visitors could equal an unwanted competition record if they fail to win which, given their opponents' recent form, we can see being the case here.

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