Preview:Braga vs Lincoln Red Imps - prediction, team news, lineups

Hosts Braga have one foot in the Europa League but must first navigate a second-leg qualifying clash against Lincoln Red Imps on Thursday at Estadio Municipal de Braga.

The Portuguese home team emerged as 4-0 victors against Lincoln Red Imps on August 21, and they should be able to coast into the league phase of Europe's second-tier tournament.

Match preview

Braga were dominant in the first leg, facing just three shots in the entire match while also accumulating 68% possession.

Carlos Vicens's team are currently fourth in the Primeira Liga with seven points after three top-flight fixtures, with their most recent game a 2-2 stalemate with AVS on August 24.

The club have managed to score in each of their last six outings, three of which were Europa League fixtures, and they have kept six clean sheets in their eight matches of 2025-26.

Os Arcebispos have not experienced a defeat this season - they are unbeaten in their nine most recent competitive outings - and they have emerged as winners on six occasions.

Braga have triumphed in three and drawn one of their four home matches this term, and they won eight of their final 10 games at Estadio Municipal de Braga in 2024-25.

Lincoln Red Imps have now failed to find the back of the net in three of their past five European games, and they scored just once in each of the other two matches.

The visitors are yet to begin their league season, but they have claimed the last five Gibraltarian top-flight titles, though they have not advanced past the qualifying stages of a major European competition since 2020-21.

Head coach Juan Jose Bezares's team have not won by four or more goals since April 12, and that was their only victory by a four-goal margin in 20 games.

The Red Imps achieved just one win in regular time in their past six, with the side succumbing to defeat twice.

Lincoln may have won six of their seven most recent away trips, but five of those victories were domestic clashes, while their Champions League qualifier win was only by a one-goal margin.

Braga Europa League form:

Braga form (all competitions):

Lincoln Red Imps Europa League form:

Lincoln Red Imps form (all competitions):

Team News

While Braga are almost certain of progression, they will still want to play a strong XI in order to avoid an embarrassing collapse, so expect regulars Gustaf Lagerbielke and Sikou Niakate to play in the middle of a back four.

Vicens could look to start Joao Moutinho in midfield with Jean-Baptiste Gorby and Mario Dorgeles.

In the forward line, while attackers Rodrigo Zalazar and Ricardo Horta are candidates to flank Fran Navarro, the trio could be taken off with time to spare given Braga have a comfortable lead.

Lincoln may start centre-backs Bernardo Lopes and Abdul Ibrahim Ayew, while number six Mandi is set to anchor a midfield three.

Centre-forward Tjay De Barr is likely to be stationed up front alongside wingers Kike Gomez and Toni.

Braga possible starting lineup:

Hornicek; Gomez, Lagerbielke, Niakate, Lelo; Gorby, Moutinho, Dorgeles; Zalazar, Navarro, Horta

Lincoln Red Imps possible starting lineup:

Santana; Rutjens, Lopes, Ayew, Nano; Torrilla, Mandi, Morales; Toni, Barr, Gomez

We say: Braga 3-0 Lincoln Red Imps (Braga win 7-0 on aggregate)

There is no reason to suggest that Lincoln Red Imps can mount a comeback, especially as the margin of their deficit is so large.

Braga have no need to exert themselves on Thursday, but they will almost certainly find joy during counter-attacks, and fans should expect yet another victory.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.