Prediction: Braga vs Nottingham Forest

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 9/4

Bookmaker: Luckster

Thursday night sees Braga and Nottingham Forest lock horns in a crucial Europa League League Phase clash at Estádio Municipal de Braga. Both sides remain firmly in contention for automatic qualification to the last 16, making this penultimate fixture a high-pressure affair.

While this will be their first competitive meeting, Forest hold a psychological edge after a 3-0 friendly win over Braga back in July 2016.

Braga

Braga’s start to 2026 was far from ideal. A 2-1 defeat to Vitória Guimarães in the Taca da Liga final was followed by a shock exit from the Taca de Portugal at the hands of third-tier AD Fafe. However, Carlos Vicens’s men responded in dramatic fashion last weekend, snatching a 92nd-minute penalty winner against OFI Crete after Gustaf Lagerbielke’s dismissal. That 1-0 victory lifted Braga to fifth in the Primeira Liga, just one point off fourth, though their hopes of breaking into the top three appear slim with a 12-point gap to Benfica.

In Europe, Braga have been far more consistent. Four wins from six League Phase matches (D1 L1) have propelled them to seventh in the 36-team standings, firmly inside the automatic qualification zone. Their most recent triumph—a 1-0 success at Nice—underscored their resilience.

Historically, however, English opposition has posed problems: Braga have won just six of 20 encounters (D4 L10), though they did beat Wolves 1-0 at Molineux in the 2019-20 Europa League.

Team News

Braga will be without Amine El Ouazzani (foot) and Sandro Vidigal, while January recruit Samy Merheg is ineligible until the knockout rounds. Top scorer Rodrigo Zalazar (14 goals) serves the second of a two-match European ban, leaving Gabri Martínez likely to spearhead the attack alongside Pau Victor and Ricardo Horta.

Veteran Joao Moutinho should partner Florian Grillitsch in midfield, while Sikou Niakate anchors a defense that could feature Lagerbielke, Carvalho, and Bright Arrey-Mbi depending on Vicens’s tactical setup.

Nottingham Forest

Forest’s domestic struggles continue, with just one win in their last seven outings (D1 L5). A spirited 0-0 draw against Premier League leaders Arsenal last weekend offered encouragement, but Sean Dyche’s men remain 17th in the table, five points clear of the drop zone. Survival remains a priority, yet European ambitions are alive and well.

Competing in continental football for the first time in three decades, Forest have collected 11 points from six Europa League matches (W3 D2 L1), including emphatic wins over Malmö (3-0) and Utrecht (2-1) late last year. They currently sit 11th in the standings, two points shy of the automatic qualification bracket, making Thursday’s clash pivotal.

Encouragingly, Forest have already toppled Portuguese opposition this season, defeating Porto 2-0 on matchday three in Dyche’s debut.

Team News

Chris Wood and John Victor remain sidelined with knee injuries, while Ola Aina, Omari Hutchinson, Taiwo Awoniyi, Angus Gunn, and Jair Cunha are unavailable due to squad registration limits.

Nicolo Savona is expected to deputize at right-back, while Douglas Luiz could return to midfield alongside Elliot Anderson, potentially displacing Ibrahim Sangaré. Morgan Gibbs-White will operate in an advanced role, supporting Igor Jesus—the Brazilian striker has eight goals this season, including four in Europe.

Head-to-Head

This marks the first competitive meeting between the two clubs, though Forest’s 3-0 friendly win in 2016 offers a historical footnote. Braga’s mixed record against English sides contrasts with Forest’s confidence after beating Porto earlier in the campaign.

Both teams boast strong European credentials this season, setting the stage for a finely balanced contest.

Conclusion

With automatic qualification on the line, expect a tense, tactical battle. Forest arguably need the win more, but Braga’s home advantage and defensive solidity could tilt the scales.

A draw seems the most likely outcome, with the Portuguese side frustrating their visitors and edging closer to the last 16.

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 9/4

Bookmaker: Luckster