In Portugal’s biggest match that does not involve the traditional big three, Braga and Vitória Guimarães go head to head in the Minho derby on Monday night.
Both clubs go into the match in superb form. Braga have won 11 of their last 12 matches, and should they prevail tomorrow the Arsenalistas will move to within three points of joint Liga ZON Sagres leaders, Benfica and FC Porto.
But Vitória have won five out of their last six Liga games, and became the first team to defeat Benfica last weekend with a hard-fought but deserved 1-0 victory.
Braga coach Leonardo Jardim is in no doubt about the outcome he is after. “The only result we want is the win. That will allow us to consolidate our position in the table,” said the man whose success this season has earned him the nickname of “the Mourinho of Madeira”.
Braga will be without talismanic winger Alan owing to a knee ligament injury. Ewerton, Paulo Vincius and Baiano are also out injured, but influential midfielders Márcio Mossoró and Hélder Barbosa are fit again and come back into the squad.
Guimarães also have an important player out of action. Centre-back João Paulo is out after hurting his knee in the victory over Benfica.
Kick-off at 8.15 pm local time at the Estádio AXA.
But Vitória have won five out of their last six Liga games, and became the first team to defeat Benfica last weekend with a hard-fought but deserved 1-0 victory.
Braga coach Leonardo Jardim is in no doubt about the outcome he is after. “The only result we want is the win. That will allow us to consolidate our position in the table,” said the man whose success this season has earned him the nickname of “the Mourinho of Madeira”.
Braga will be without talismanic winger Alan owing to a knee ligament injury. Ewerton, Paulo Vincius and Baiano are also out injured, but influential midfielders Márcio Mossoró and Hélder Barbosa are fit again and come back into the squad.
Guimarães also have an important player out of action. Centre-back João Paulo is out after hurting his knee in the victory over Benfica.
Kick-off at 8.15 pm local time at the Estádio AXA.
