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

Title-chasing Braga travel to Belenenses this weekend off the back of a stunning run of form and will feel confident of taking home all three points again as they look to keep the pressure on Primeira Liga leaders Sporting CP.

Belenenses, meanwhile, have will hope to avoid defeat once again as they host a difficult opponent following their recent string of draws.

Match preview

Belenenses sit 13th in the league standings and are just one point above the relegation zone with eight games played so far.

Remarkably, though, they have only lost twice in the league this season - the same number of defeats as Braga, who are second.

However, their low league position and points tally owes to their propensity to draw games, having earned a solitary point on five occasions already this term.

Belenenses have the joint-best defence in the division, shipping just five goals and keeping five clean sheets, but have only scored three goals in the process - the worst in the league.

In fact, Belenenses have played out four goalless draws already this term, and will likely be hoping for a similar result again when they host Braga.

Braga, however, will certainly not be content with a point as they look to boost their title credentials.

Carlos Carvalhal's side have won six league games on the bounce and will expect to earn maximum points from their inferior opponents, regardless of their defensive prowess.

Braga actually lost their first two games of the season, but have roared back in style and are fast compensating for their slow start.

Belenenses Primeira Liga form: DDLDDD Belenenses form (all competitions): DLDDWD

Braga Primeira Liga form: WWWWWW Braga form (all competitions): LWWDWW

Team News

Belenenses boss Nuno Oliveira has two absentees ahead of Braga's visit on Sunday.

Nilton Varela is not expected to return until early next year, while Eduardo Kau is a long-term absentee with an ACL injury.

Meanwhile, Braga head coach Carvalhal has a very similar injury list to contend with.

Striker Rui Fonte is still struggling with a knee injury and will be back in January, while Francisco Moura is out for the rest of the season with an ACL injury of his own.

Belenenses possible starting lineup: Kritsyuk; Phete, Henrique, Ribeiro; Esgaio, Edgar, Caue, Lima; S. Varela, Cardoso, Sousa

Braga possible starting lineup: Matheus; Tormena, Viana, Sequeira; Esgaio, Elmusrati, Castro, Galeno; Medeiros, Paulinho, Horta

We say: Belenenses 0-1 Braga

Expect a low-scoring game as Belenenses do their utmost to keep Braga out, but Carvalhal's title-challengers should have enough quality to eke out a victory away from home.

Top betting tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting under 3.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.