Europa League Group C leaders Ludogorets Razgrad take on Braga in Bulgaria next week, with another three points for the home side securing their place in the knockout stages of the competition for the second consecutive year.
Champions League – Ludogorets Arena, Razgrad – Thursday 2nd November – 19:00 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 12/5 at Ladbrokes |
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PFC Ludogorets Razgrad
SC_BragaMatch Preview
A goal in each half gave Ludogorets an excellent away win in Portugal just last week, with Braga undoubtedly looking for revenge in the upcoming reverse fixture. With just a point separating the two teams in the Group C standings, there is still plenty to play for in Razgrad, with the battle to finish top of the table reaching fever pitch next week. Despite Braga being the more recognisable name in European football, it is Ludogorets who go into the clash as the slight favourites. However, with a number of attractive looking betting markets surrounding the match, let’s take a closer look at the two teams, starting with Ludogorets.
Ludogorets Razgrad Team News & Form
Ludogorets head coach Dimitar Dimitrov may not have any star names to call upon when naming his starting eleven for this match, however their performances in Europe so far this season have shown that they can be a match for anyone on their day. Their squad is dominated by Brazilian talent, with no fewer than ten players coming from the South American country. However, it is DR Congo international Jody Lukoki that has been their star performer so far in Europe, with the former Ajax youngster having scored two goals in their three matches. Having conceded just one goal in the same number of matches, Ludogorets are a team that are difficult to break down, especially on their home turf.
Braga Team News & Form
Braga’s home defeat to Ludogorets last week was somewhat of a surprise, with the Portuguese side having previously defeated both Istanbul Basaksehir and Hoffenheim in the opening weeks of the season. Having been runners up in the Europa League back in 2011, manager Abel Ferreira is under pressure to return the club to past glory’s, with players such as Joao Carlos among their biggest attacking threats. The former Liverpool man scored in their win over Hoffenheim in Germany, with the midfielder hoping to show that he can cut it at the highest level. Braga warmed up for their encounter in Bulgaria with an important away win over Moreirense in the Portuguese top-flight.
Head to Head
Before last week’s clash in Portugal, the two teams had never previously met in a competitive fixture. However, the surprise win for Ludogorets now means that the odds for their upcoming match are closer than perhaps expected. However, with Braga undoubtedly not 100% confident of over their trip to Bulgaria, this really is a match that is difficult to predict.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Given the result in Portugal last week, it perhaps doesn’t come as a surprise that Ludogorets are are the favourites for next week’s match with the majority of bookmakers. The home side can be backed for the win at odds of 23/20 with Ladbrokes, while Ladbrokes has the visitors at 3.
Top Betting Tip
Our top betting tip for the match is to bet on Ludogorets being the last team to score in the 90 minutes, which can be backed at odds of 8/13 with Ladbrokes.