Union Saint-Gilloise are fighting for their lives in this season’s Europa League.
The Belgian side are in a tense battle to secure a play-off spot and Thursday’s fixture against Braga is of significant importance.
Can USG take a huge step towards avoiding elimination? Or will Braga upset the odds at the Stade Joseph Marien?
Online betting site betFIRST has previewed the tantalising clash and do not forget, live betting markets will be available on this game and all other Europa League fixtures.
And new betFIRST customers can get themselves started with our exclusive Welcome Bet offer, an opportunity too good to miss!
Union Saint-Gilloise vs Braga Preview
USG are currently 20th in the Europa League table, a position which would be good enough for the play-offs.
Braga are back in 25th, although they only trail the Belgian side by a single point, further highlighting the damage a slip up this late on in the League Phase could cause.
Domestically, USG are in fine form, winning four of their last five Pro League matches and occupying third in the table ahead of Anderlecht.
Again, Braga are not far behind in this regard, boasting a record of three wins in the last four Liga Portugal fixtures – including a sensational 2-1 success at Benfica earlier in the month.
Of course, USG will take solace from the fact that their defence has been top notch so far this term.
They have conceded a division-low 19 goals in the Pro League, while Braga are comfortably the lowest scorers in Portugal’s top four (31 goals in 18 games).
With that in mind, be prepared for a tense, cagey European affair in which one goal could decide the outcome.
Both sides will be understandably desperate to collect points here, as they each face tough assignments on Matchday 8.
USG travel to Rangers, while Braga host table-toppers Lazio. As such, this penultimate game will almost certainly prove decisive in the eventual fates of the two teams in the competition.
Union Saint-Gilloise vs Braga Odds
*All odds are subject to change
Strong home form means USG open as favourites for a crucial win at 1.95. Braga are priced at 3.50 for the victory, while the draw is 3.45.
Union Saint-Gilloise vs Braga Betting Tips
Under 2.5 goals in the match @ 2.20
As previously mentioned, USG boast a strong defence, while Braga are not exactly a free-scoring side. So wagering on a relatively low number of goals seems a sensible course of action.
Draw at half-time @ 2.20
Following a similar theme to the tip above. If this match does explode into life, you feel that would only happen after both teams have settled down and assessed the situation ahead of the second half.
Bruma to score first OR last @ 5.50
But it would be foolish to rule out either Braga scoring or them claiming the win. Bruma has scored three goals in the Europa League this season and the winger has the quality to deliver another decisive moment in Belgium.
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