Sporting Lisbon v SC Braga Betting Tips [22 January 2022]

Matchday 19 of the Portuguese Primeira Liga sees second place Sporting CP host fourth place Braga at the Jose Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon. After suffering their first league defeat of the season away to Santa Clara, Sporting responded strongly by recording a 4-0 victory in the cup and a 2-0 win in their last match against Vizela. The Lions currently sit second in the table with 47 points and will be looking to close the gap with leaders Porto who they trail by three points. The visitors come into this match in fourth place on 32 points and will be looking to bounce back after suffering a 1-0 home defeat to Maritmo in their last match. Braga are often considered to be the “best of the rest” and that is evident this season when looking at the league table. Carlos Caravhal’s side trail the traditional big three by 9 points, as Benfica currently occupy third position with 41 points.

This is a matchup of two of the strongest defenses in the division. Sporting boast the stingiest defense in the league, only conceding 10 goals in 18 matches, while Braga have recorded the second most clean sheets in the league with eight through their 18 matches. Braga’s defense will surely be tested today though, as only Porto and Sporting have managed to find the net in every league game so far this season. Ruben Amorim’s men are significant favorites to continue their impressive home form, Sporting have won eight, drawn once and have yet to taste defeat in front of their own fans in league play. Additionally, Braga will certainly have to make the most of their chances when they come along as the hosts have only allowed three goals in their nine home league matches. Don’t expect a shootout in this one, as both teams' strong defensive statistics should give us an idea of what kind of match this will be.

We’re going to back the under 2.5 total goals as our bet in this match. Sporting’s home defense has been superb this season and they should be able to control this match against a Braga side that have now lost four of their last five away matches. Look for the hosts to record a 1-0 or 2-0 victory in this one.