Aarhus look to kickstart their UEFA Conference League campaign as they take on a Braga side who are desperately searching for consistency after a miserable October.
Match News and Current Form
Aarhus have endured an underwhelming start to the Conference League, with a 1-1 draw against Egnatia on matchday two leaving them with just one point so far (D1, L1). That match was played at Randers’ Cepheus Park, also the venue for this fixture, and perhaps ceding home advantage is behind Jakob Poulsen’s men winning just one of their four designated European home matches this term (D1, L2). They have struggled of late at any venue though, with Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Brøndby meaning Aarhus have won just four times across all competitions since early August (D5, L9).
Last season’s Europa League semi-finalists Braga have three points from two Conference League matches after beating Gent 2-0 in their last outing. That result means the Archbishops have kept seven clean sheets in their eight games in this competition this term (W5, D2, L1), albeit only one of their five wins came on the road (D2, L1). That form stands in complete contrast to their domestic fortunes, with Braga winning just one of their last six games in league and cup (D1, L4), which came by thrashing ten-man Famalicão 3-0 on Sunday.
Head-to-Head History
This will be a first-ever H2H. Aarhus have lost five of their previous eight meetings with Portuguese teams (W2, D1), while Braga have lost their last two major European games against Danish opposition, both of which were away, including one at Copenhagen last month (3-0).
Hot Stats and Streaks
Aarhus are one of only two teams yet to be caught offside in the Conference League this term.
No team in the league phase has had fewer shots on target than Aarhus (2).
Only three teams have been awarded fewer yellow cards than Braga (two) in the league phase this season.
Just three of Braga’s last nine matches saw both teams score.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Aarhus’ James Bogere has netted first or last in each of his last five scoring appearances for club and country. Braga’s Víctor Gómez has provided an assist in four of his last five major European matches, one of which came when also scoring against Gent on matchday two.
Eric Kahl will be missing for Aarhus after his red card against Egnatia, whereas Braga do not appear to have any fresh selection worries.
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Betting Analysis
These two clubs have been struggling of late, so perhaps backing a draw might prove worthwhile.
Author: Matt Jones