CD Nacional vs Braga Prediction: Os Arcebispos Won't Suffer Defeat Here

CD Nacional will welcome Braga to the Estadio da Madeira in the sixth round of the Primeira Liga. 

Let's have a look at the latest Portuguese Primeira Liga predictions between CD Nacional vs. Braga, probable lineups, match facts and betting odds for you to consider!

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

CD Nacional

Form: LWLLD 

Tiago Margarido's men are experiencing a difficult 2024-25 Primeira Liga campaign following a three-year absence. They have won just one of their last five games (L3, D1) and head into this match hovering two places above the relegation zone. 

Over the weekend, they made the trip to Antonio Coimbra da Mota to lock horns with Estoril Praia and failed to exploit their opponents' year-long malaise to record a 1-0 defeat. This comes after defeating Farense 2-0 just before the break to halt a two-match losing run. 

With 4 points accumulated from five matches, CD Nacional occupies 15th place in the Primeira Liga standings. They have maintained a two-point cushion over the relegation zone. 

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-3-3

Franca; Garcia, Santos, Vitor, Gomes; Esteves, Dias, Penha; Appiah, Reis, Macedo

Braga

Form: LDWWD

It has to be said that life under new boss Carlos Carvalhal hasn't been what Braga hoped for, having finished fourth last season. With just two wins in their last five games (D2, L1) and three places below last season's fourth-place finish, Os Arcebispos start to the current campaign has fallen below the threshold. 

Their nemesis this season has to be their lack of effectiveness in front of goal, which is a clear area of improvement. They have failed to score in their last two league matches, including a recent 2-0 home defeat against Vitoria Guimaraes. 

With 8 points accumulated from five matches, Braga occupies 7th place in the Primeira Liga standings and is two points adrift of fourth-placed Famalicao. They have maintained a one point cushion over eighth-placed and ninth-placed Moreirense and AVS, respectively. 

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Lima; Gomez, Niakate, Oliveira, Marin; Carvalho, Horta; Zalazar, Horta, Martinez; El Ouazzani

Match Facts

• CD Nacional has lost eight of their last 10 home games in the Primeira Liga.
• Braga have conceded the first goal in three of their last five matches across all competitions.
• CD Nacional averages 0.8 goals per game when playing at home, and Brazil averages 1.6 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

In the last 40 meetings, CD Nacional has won 7 times, Braga has won 24 times, and there have been 9 draws, with the goal difference being 72-39 in favor of Braga.

Expert Betting Tips

Braga has had a shaky start to the Primeira Liga this year, leaving them seven points off the top of the table. However, they could treat this matchup as a perfect opportunity to recover their equilibrium and challenge for the top three spots. 

On the flip side, CD Nacional can't be fully trusted to step up to the plate considering their floundering performance in the league, not to mention that they have not won a home game against their opponents in this impending encounter since 2013.

Therefore, we recommend supporting Braga in the full-time market to come away with all three points in the bag in what will be a comfortable victory.

• W2 for 1.77
• Goals - Over 2.5 for 1.85
• Both Teams To Score - Yes for 1.78