Sporting Braga are actively progressing on the European stage. They do particularly well against English teams on home soil. The last time Braga conceded an English goal at home was in the 2006/07 Uefa Cup, when Tottenham Hotspur beat them 3-2.
Since then, they hold a perfect record in four matches against English sides with seven goals scored in the process. The opponents were Portsmouth, Arsenal, Liverpool and Birmingham. So, what can Manchester United expect?
The Red Devils are performing greatly in the Champions League winning thrice on the trot. This weekend, the team also rocketed to the top of the Premiership standings. Confidence is indeed high in Manchester United’s camp while coach Jose Peseiro relishes his side’s underdog spirit.
After scoring two goals at Old Trafford, SC Braga somehow proved a point: they are not stage fright. However, they have to back up as soon as possible. With only three points, they are third in Group H between second-placed CFR Cluj and bottom side Galatasaray. The fight for Last 16 tickets is tough and Braga must take advantage of the home factor to stun Manchester United on Matchday 4. The public can expect the Portuguese underdogs to use an attacking strategy against the Red Devils.
Captain and right-winger Alan poses the major threat to an United defence that almost cost defeat to Ferguson. The 33-year-old Brazilian masters ball control in a team where Ruben Micael, Hugo Viana and Éder possess the ability to score with strikes from both inside the area and long range.
Jose Peseiro’s problem remains in defence as Paulo Vinícius is injured while Ismailly is still in doubt. Paulo César and Djamal took part in a light training session and are yet to prove full fitness.
Conditions seem much better for Peseiro’s opposite number, Alex Ferguson. The Manchester United coach might give a rest to some of his players while goalkeeper Lindegaard, Alexander Buttner, Anderson and Javier Hernandez are expected to start Wednesday’s game in Braga.
After failing in the group stages last season, Fergie has vowed to go far in the competition. The Old Scot is dreaming of adding yet another UEFA Champions League trophy to his heavy curriculum.
