Portimonense vs Sporting Braga

Portimonense is set to host Braga at Estadio Municipal de Portimao in a clash between two teams positioned at different ends of the Primeira Liga standings.

The home team has faced a tough stretch lately, going winless in their last seven matches. Meanwhile, Braga enters the game on a positive note, enjoying a five-match unbeaten run.

Portimonense's struggles persisted with a recent 1-0 loss to Estoril Praia, leaving them with 23 points, just two points above 17th-placed Vizela and the bottom-ranked Chaves.

Their last victory dates back to January 28 against Boavista. Since then, they have failed to secure maximum points in seven consecutive matches, starting with back-to-back losses to Arouca and Estrela Amadora.

Following home draws with Vitoria de Guimaraes and Vizela, along with a heavy 4-0 defeat away at Benfica, Portimonense suffered a 3-0 loss to Porto before the narrow defeat to Estoril.

Their upcoming match against Braga poses another challenge, considering Portimonense's historical record against them. In 22 encounters, Portimonense has only managed one win against Braga, with 17 losses and four draws, albeit the lone victory came in a friendly match.

With just eight matches remaining this season, Portimonense will be eager to turn their fortunes around, especially at home, where they've secured only three of their total six victories.

Braga demonstrated resilience in securing a victory against Gil Vicente prior to the break, with Simon Banza's goal in the 89th minute sealing a 2-1 win. This came after Ali Alipour's penalty had equalized Abel Ruiz's initial lead for Braga.

Under Artur Jorge's guidance, Braga has amassed 53 points from 16 wins and five draws in 26 Primeira Liga matches, positioning them fourth in the standings. They trail third-placed Porto by five points, who hold the Europa League qualifying spot. However, Braga must remain vigilant as they risk losing their Europa Conference League spot to Vitoria de Guimaraes, who are just two points behind in fifth place.

Maintaining an unbeaten streak in their last five league matches, Braga have scored 11 goals while conceding only twice. They aim to extend this streak against Portimonense, a team against whom they have never suffered a competitive defeat.

Braga has previously triumphed over Portimonense twice this season in both league and Taca de Portugal encounters, scoring a total of 10 goals and conceding only twice across both matches.

Carlinhos will miss the upcoming match for the hosts due to suspension, having accumulated too many yellow cards.

In the previous game, Ronie Carrillo and Helio Varela formed the attacking pair in a 3-4-1-2 formation and are likely to keep their positions for Monday's match.

In Carlinhos' absence, Sylvester Jasper is anticipated to step in and offer support to the forward line.

Braga will be without Spanish defender Adrian Marin, who has been sidelined since sustaining a serious knee injury against Porto on January 14.