Football Bet of the Day: Back Minho Warriors to win another battle

Ex-Portugal midfielder Sergio Conceicao is doing a great job leading Braga

Kevin Hatchard's our global betting guide for Christmas week, and he's kicking off with a trip to Portugal.

Sporting Braga v Pacos de Ferreira
Monday December 22, 19:00

Like a stylish and well-organised Santa, Tobias Gourlay left us some early Christmas presents, as he secured back-to-back winners yesterday. A thrilling 3-3 draw between Turkish rivals Bursaspor and Trabzonspor landed the overs bet rather comfortably. Just to clarify, Tobias isn't actually Santa (or is he?), and as such he now gets a well-deserved week off (or does he?)

So then, you're with me for the Christmas week, and let's start with a trip to Portugal. Sporting Braga are up against Pacos de Ferreira, and I strongly fancy the home side.

I commentated on Braga last weekend, as they won 1-0 at Belenenses, and they have since secured a magnificent 2-1 victory at Benfica to knock the Lisbon giants out of the Taca de Portugal.
Although Braga rode their luck in that Belenenses victory (goalkeeper Matheus saved a penalty), I was highly impressed by several individuals in the side. Striker Eder has pace and power, and is also decent in possession. Wily midfielder Ruben Micael pulled the strings intelligently in midfield, and Colombian winger Felipe Pardo (who scored the winner against Benfica) was speedy and direct. The big disappointment was Brazilian playmaker Danilo, but I'm led to believe by those in the know that the highly-rated teenager merely had an off day.

In the summer, former Portugal midfielder Sergio Conceicao was given the task of reviving Braga's fortunes, after they finished a dismal 9th in the Primeira Liga last term. The former Academica boss has lifted The Minho Warriors to fifth in the standings, and they are unbeaten in nine games.

Braga have been particularly impressive at their Estadio Municipal, having won five and drawn one of their six league games there. They have only conceded two goals at home in the league, and have smashed in 12. There is plenty of motivation for Braga to win tonight, and three points would lift them to third ahead of the Christmas break.

Pacos de Ferreira are also having a good season, and they are sixth in the standings. However, they have only won two of their six away games, and only won once in four overall. The Beavers may well be eager to score on the road, but it's just not happening - they have scored just five goals in six games on their travels.

Braga have an excellent home record, they are in great form, and they are playing a side who are patchy outside their own stadium. I think 1.758/11 is a generous price for the home win.

Recommended Bet

Back Braga to win at 1.758/11

2014 P/L (1pt per bet)

Points Staked: 70

Points Returned: 66.51

P/L: -3.49 points