Less than a week after winning 2-0 at the Estádio Axa, FC Porto return to Braga with their focus set on success in the Taça de Portugal.

Second-choice goalkeeper Fabiano will have a tough task when Porto face Braga away from home in the Taca de Portugal.Analysis

Even if Jorge Jesus needed luck in the Dragons’ latest match, the truth is that the victory was mainly the reward of the geniality between Colombia’s James Rodríguez and Jackson Martínez who built the two goals.

In that encounter, Porto proved much stronger during the first half an hour, but SC Braga’s reaction in the second period almost denied Vitor Pereira's team of snatching three points. In other words, Braga virtually lost their Portuguese Primeira Liga title fight during the last ten minutes.

 

Friday's clash in the Taça de Portugal could be seen as an opportunity for Braga to claim revenge. José Peseiro is expected to name a strong squad as the Portuguese Cup has now become his team’s only option for silverware this season. Peseiro and his men are determined to avoid total destruction by the Dragons after failing in the league. As for FC Porto, goalkeeper Helton will be rested for Fabiano as it has been the case for domestic cup matches.

Maicon is still out through injury and Vitor Pereira might promote some other names in the starting XI. Miguel Lopes, Abdoulaye, Defour and Atsu might get some playing minutes.

Facts

Sporting Braga have lost four of their last five matches in all competitions.

FC Porto enter Friday’s cup match with the possibility of clinching their fifth consecutive win in all competitions.

FC Porto have kept a clean sheet in five of their last six matches in all competitions.

Head-to-head – Last three meetings (all in the Portuguese Primeira Liga)

November 27, 2011: Porto 3-2 Braga
April 7, 2012: Braga 0-1 Porto
November 25, 2012: Braga 0-2 Porto

Prediction

Braga’s potential must not be overlooked. The match could be an extra-time affair with the hosts stunning FC Porto in a penalty shoot-out. 

Result: SC Braga 1 – 1 FC Porto