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

Braga will look to bounce back from a defeat upon their return to league action on Friday, as they make the trip to Moreirense.

Os Arcebispos were handed a 2-1 defeat by defending champions Sporting Lisbon on Saturday, while their hosts picked up a commendable point in a 2-2 draw with Santa Clara.

Match preview

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Looking to build on last season's eighth-placed finish, Moreirense kicked off the new campaign with a tough clash at home to title-chasing Benfica, and they would suffer a narrow 2-1 defeat.

Goals from Lucas Verissimo and Luca Waldschmidt saw the visitors take an early two-goal lead, and while Rafael Martins reduced the deficit to one goal on the half-hour mark, Joao Henriques's side were unable to draw level, failing to capitalise on a red card shown to Diogo Goncalves early in the second half.

They looked set to fall to another defeat last time out, as a Carlos goal meant Santa Clara led 1-0 heading into injury time, with Moreirense reduced to 10 men following Rodrigo Conceicao's red card, but a dramatic spell followed.

Yan converted a penalty to draw his side level in the 90th minute, but Carlos hit his second soon after to put Santa Clara back ahead before Os Verdes e Brancos eventually snatched a point thanks to Andre Luis's equaliser in the 10th added minute.

They will look to carry the positives of that late point into Friday's game, when they face a tricky test at home to Braga.

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After a positive showing last season, finishing in fourth spot in the top flight and lifting the Taca de Portugal trophy, Braga headed into the new campaign with confidence.

Despite narrowly losing 2-1 to Sporting Lisbon in the Super Cup, they made a winning start to the league season.

Carlos Carvalhal's side made the trip to Maritimo and eventually broke the deadlock through Raul Silva on the hour mark, before Ricardo Horta doubled the lead with 20 minutes to go, seeing them to a 2-0 victory.

They then faced a tough test at home to defending champions Sporting Lisbon in their second league outing, and Jovane Cabral and Pedro Goncalves netted goals quickly either side of half time to give the visitors a comfortable lead.

Carvalhal's men were given hope when their opponents were reduced to 10 men with 10 minutes to go, but by the time Abel Ruiz pulled a goal back in injury time, it was too late for Os Arcebispos to find the net again and draw level.

They will now look to bounce back with a victory on their travels to ensure they find themselves at the top end of the division as the table begins to take shape.

Team News

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Moreirense come into the game without right-back Rodrigo Conceicao, who will serve a suspension after being sent off in the Santa Clara game.

He only made a substitute appearance in that game, meaning Ruben Ramos should certainly keep his wing-back role, with Lazar Rosic, Artur Jorge and Steven Vitoria forming the back three.

Despite netting the crucial equaliser last time out, Andre Luis may struggle to displace any of the front three, with Henriques expected to stick with the established trio of Yan, Rafael Martins and Felipe Pires.

Braga will be without centre-back David Carmo and midfielder Andre Castro, as the pair continue to battle through injuries.

Meanwhile, forward Ricardo Horta was absent from the squad for the Sporting Lisbon game and could again miss out on Friday, leaving an attacking place up for grabs.

Fabio Martins will be keen to occupy a spot in the attacking line, while summer signing Mario Gonzalez is also pushing to break into the starting XI.

Moreirense possible starting lineup:
Pasinato; Jorge, Vitoria, Rosic; Ramos, Pacheco, Soares, Frimpong; Yan, Martins, Pires

Braga possible starting lineup:
Matheus; Oliveira, Silva, Tormena; Fabiano, Musrati, Fransergio, Galeno; Piazon, Ruiz, Martins

We say: Moreirense 1-2 Braga

This is certainly no foregone conclusion, as Moreirense's dangerous front line will certainly pose a threat to Braga, but we see the Archbishops just getting over the line.

After a disappointing defeat last time out, Carvalhal's men will be desperate to bounce back, and their strong squad should have enough to make a quick return to winning ways.