Preview: Braga vs. Moreirense - prediction, team news, lineups

Braga play host to Moreirense on Friday evening looking to end a four-match winless streak having already confirmed fourth spot in the Primeira Liga standings.

After guaranteeing their place in the Portuguese top flight for another 12 months, Moreirense will now try to finish the campaign in sixth position.

Match preview

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Despite the security of fourth spot and a place in next season's Europa League, Carlos Carvalhal will be bitterly disappointed with Braga's form since the middle of March.

Just 11 points have been collected from 10 fixtures, subsequently leaving the club well adrift of third-placed Benfica, who will claim the final Champions League spot.

While Carvalhal can have few complaints with a backline which has continued to perform to a high level, just four goals have been scored in their last six outings.

Top goalscorer Ricardo Horta ended his two-month wait for a goal against Gil Vicente, netting during the early stages before his side were pegged back by their hosts.

With their remaining fixtures against two mid-table sides, Carvalhal will hope that his players can give supporters reason to be optimistic ahead of next season.

The same applies to visitors Moreirense, who have also only recorded two victories from their last 10 fixtures in the Portuguese top flight.

On the back of five matches without success, Moreirense returned to winning ways on Monday with a 2-1 triumph at Portimonense.

Nahuel Ferraresi again got on the scoresheet, the defender having now scored three times in his most recent four appearances.

Sitting just two points adrift of sixth position, head coach Vasco Seabra will demand that his team raise their level against their upcoming opponents and in-form Famalicao.

Team News

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Despite the frustration of the last match, Carvalhal is unlikely to make major alterations to his Braga starting lineup.

Joao Novais is an option in midfield, while Lucas Piazon could be handed a recall if Carvalhal switches to a back four.

Seabra is likely to take a similar approach when naming his Moreirense side after their victory on Monday.

Yan is an alternative to Felipe Pires on the left flank, but Jefferson Galego may have to wait for his first start of the campaign.

The same applies to Sori Mane, who made his first outing of the season as a substitute against Portimonense.

Braga possible starting lineup:
Matheus; Esgaio, Tormena, Sequeira, Galeno; Horta, Musrati, Novais; Ruiz, Fransergio, Piazon

Moreirense possible starting lineup:
Kewin; Ferraresi, Rosic, Ba, Conte; Franco, Pacheco, Simao; Walterson, Luis, Yan

We say: Braga 2-1 Moreirense

As a result of Braga's indifferent form of late, Moreirense will be confident of claiming all three points on Friday evening.

Nevertheless, Carvalhal will reiterate to his Braga players that they are playing for their futures, a demand which could inspire an improved performance.