Preview: Braga vs. Red Star Belgrade - prediction, team news, lineups

The top two in Group F will meet when Braga host Red Star Belgrade in the final matchday of the Europa League group stage.

Both teams will be targeting victory, with the two sides fully aware that a draw may not be enough to guarantee qualification to the knockout stages.

Match preview

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Braga sit in second place, one point ahead of FC Midtjylland, but only a victory will prevent the hosts from having to rely on a favour from Ludogorets - although they are at the very least guaranteed a place in the Europa Conference League.

The Portuguese side were minutes away from claiming a point in their most recent Europa League fixture with Midtjylland before Evander scored from the spot in stoppage time to condemn Braga to a 3-2 defeat.

They have responded to that loss in a positive manner, winning consecutive league games against Vizela and Estoril.

Carlos Carvahal's side have capitalised on home advantage in the Europa League this season, picking up victories in both of their games at the Estadio Municipal de Braga.

Thursday's hosts are comfortably the top scorers in Group F and they will aim to add to their 11-goal tally in the final matchday as they look to clinch a crucial victory.

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Red Star Belgrade head to Portugal in pole position after collecting ten points from their five group games, but qualification for the knockout stages is anything but secure.

Like their opponents, a place in the Europa Conference League is guaranteed, but Thursday's visitors will want to remain in the Europa League and are fully aware that a win would seal a place in the knockout stages.

The Serbian side collected their third victory of the group stage on matchday five with a Mirko Ivanic strike proving enough to secure a 1-0 victory over Ludogorets.

Their first win of the group phase came in the reverse fixture against Braga, and they will be hoping to replicate that 2-1 victory on Thursday.

Although they face a tough away trip, Dejan Stankovic's side will be confident of gaining all three points after winning their last seven games in all competitions.

Team News

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Braga will head into Thursday's encounter without the services of Al Musrati, David Carmo and Vitor Tormena, who are all unavailable due to injury issues.

Nuno Sequeira is also missing with a knee injury keeping the defender out of the squad.

After missing Braga's last two games, Galeno is a doubt for Thursday's fixture.

Red Star Belgrade have no injury absentees to contend with, giving Stankovic a fresh squad to choose from.

Milan Pankov is likely to be given the nod up front, and he will be looking to score in the Europa League group stage for the first time this season.

The visitors will also be looking to Aleksandar Katai to supply a goal threat as he looks to add to the 16 goals that he has scored in all competitions this term.

Braga possible starting lineup:

Matheus; P. Oliveira, Silva, Leita; Couto, Mineiro, A. Horta, Moura; Medeiros, R. Horta, V. Oliveira

Red Star Belgrade possible starting lineup:

Borjan; Gajic, Erakovic, Dragovic, Pankov; Srnic, Petkovic, Katai; Kanga, Ivanic, Pavkov

We say: Braga 3-2 Red Star Belgrade

With only a point separating the two sides in the group, Thursday's contest will be a close encounter, but after winning their two home group games, we think that Braga will utilise home advantage to claim all three points.