I TIPPED Braga to reach the Final before their Europa League semi-final first leg at Benfica – and I'm standing by that decision.
The side that very much lives in the shadow of big two Benfica and Porto are ready to emerge on to the top stage – but unfortunately for them it's Porto next if they reach the Europa League final.
Braga lost 2-1 to Benfica and will be hoping that away goal gives them the edge.
They have won the league fixtures 1-0 and 2-1 at home in the last two seasons so don't dismiss a side who have taken the scalp this season of clubs such as Celtic, Liverpool, Arsenal and Sevilla.
A Braga victory in the second leg is 7-4 at Chandler and they are 9-4 at Betfred to qualify while Benfica are 4-11 favourites with William Hill.
Braga have only conceded twice in their last seven home games so consider 1-0, which takes them through on away goals, at 15-2 with William Hill.
Sevilla are a best 9-5 with totesport to claim a consolation home win but I don't think Porto will take their foot off the gas.
After beating Spartak Moscow 5-1 at home in the previous round they went to Russia and won 5-2 and have triumphed in all of their away ties this season.
Villarreal rarely lose at home though and a score draw is the shout. Back both teams to score at 8-15 with the likes of Skybet and Blue Square and how about a small wager on 2-2 at 14-1 with Ladbrokes.
There should plenty of goals in this one and over 3.5 pays 13-8 with Stan James.
Recommendations
Braga to qualify
(9-4, Betfred)
Villarreal v Porto over 3.5 goals
(13-8, Stan James)
In December 2020 we sadly 
