Monaco v SC Braga Betting Tips [17 March 2022]

The Europa League round of 16 return leg sees SC Braga travel to the French Riviera to take on an AS Monaco side looking to overturn a 2-0 aggregate deficit. The first leg defeat in Portugal was a tough result for the Monegasques as their play didn’t necessarily merit a two goal loss. Monaco controlled the majority of the possession at 62% while creating three clear cut opportunities. Ultimately it was their finishing that let them down as Philipe Clement’s side continue to struggle away from home. Things haven’t been going to plan this season for Monaco and they find themselves in eighth place with 41 points from 28 matches. Their opponents today have been steady in their domestic league - Braga currently sit fourth, behind the traditional big three, with 46 points. Os Arcebispos have been in decent form, although a 1-0 home loss to Gil Vicente on the weekend was a huge disappointment after the impressive performance against Monaco. 

Monaco have been struggling in recent matches, recording only one win and four losses over their last five games. However, it is important to note that they’ve played four consecutive away matches and this will be their first match at the Estadio Luis II in almost three weeks. Monaco have been a much more consistent home side this season and post a record of 7-4-3 in Ligue 1 when playing in front of their own fans. With a drastic increase in their goal scoring numbers at home, Monaco should be able to make this an interesting tie. Braga boast a similarly strong away record but the competition of the Primeira Liga isn’t up to the standard of the French league so their numbers should be taken with a grain of salt. Ultimately, the hosts should be able to find the net here, potentially a few times. Whether or not it will be enough to progress on aggregate remains to be seen.

The hosts come into this match as significant favorites to get the win. Instead of backing them on the 1X2 line, we’re going to target their goals total and back Monaco team total over 1.5 goals. This gives us a slightly better price and offers protection if the match ends in a high scoring draw. Monaco should come out firing in this one given the current aggregate score and we should see a much improved performance from in front of their fans after a long road trip.