National vs Braga – News and Probable Lineups

Nacional aims to halt their concerning streak of losses as they host Braga at the Estadio da Madeira this coming Sunday. Both teams approach this match under new management, following challenging periods in their recent performances.

The home side currently occupies the 16th spot in the Liga Portugal table with only four points from eight fixtures, while Braga sits in 8th place with 11 points, having suffered three consecutive defeats before securing a win against Gent in Thursday’s Conference League match.

Match overview

Nacional finished in 14th place for the last two seasons after making a return to the top tier of Portuguese football in the 2024-25 season. However, they have had a terrible beginning to the 2026-27 season, exacerbated by instability in their managerial situation.

After gathering four points from their first two matches, the Madeira side has suffered six straight league losses against Vitoria de Guimaraes, Estrela Amadora, Sporting Lisbon, Alverca, Famalicao, and Rio Ave, losing 3-2 to the latter despite their opponents being reduced to ten men.

The Alvinegros have conceded multiple goals in their last five matches in the top flight, resulting in them having the worst defensive record in the league, allowing 18 goals while scoring only nine.

Nacional’s troubles continued as they exited the Taca de Portugal after a 1-0 defeat to third-tier Sanjoanense, leading to Alexandre Santos’s sacking just weeks after he succeeded Joao Giao.

Joao Henriques’ appointment brings a chance for a fresh perspective, but he may have to wait to take charge of his first game, as caretaker Bruno Abreu is set to supervise the upcoming fixture.

They will be facing opponents who have also recently altered their managerial setup, as Braga parted ways with Carlos Vicens on October 20 after a run of four matches without a victory (D1, L3), which included three losses in a row.

A 2-1 defeat at home to Gil Vicente sealed Vicens’s departure after a 15-month tenure, and Braga has subsequently appointed Franclim Carvalho, who returns to the club after previously serving as Artur Jorge’s assistant.

Carvalho made a strong impression in his first game, leading Braga to a 2-0 win over Gent in the Conference League, with Victor Gomez scoring in the opening minutes before Gabri Martinez secured the victory in the second half.

Looking to capitalize on that European triumph in Carvalho’s league debut, the visitors can also take heart from their recent successful away form against Nacional, winning five of their last six league visits to the Estadio da Madeira.

Team News

Nacional is likely to be without defenders Leo Santos and Ulisses, who are both recovering from knee and ankle injuries, respectively.

Filipe Soares has been sidelined for the last five matches due to a muscle issue and is also anticipated to miss this clash, while Wesley Gasolina may be out for a third consecutive game.

Abdel Kader Njoya, who marked his debut with a brace against Rio Ave, is expected to spearhead the attack once more, with Matchoi Djalo potentially providing creativity from midfield.

Braga is set to remain without defender Sikou Niakate, who is still on the road to recovery from an Achilles tendon injury he sustained in April.

In the victory against Gent on Thursday, Carvalho positioned Jovan Milosevic in the forward line, supported by captain Ricardo Horta, and is likely to maintain much of that lineup, though Martinez is vying for a starting place after making an impact as a substitute.

Nacional probable starting XI:

Marin; De la Cruz, Goncalves, Ze Victor, Kokolo; Labid, Baazza; Gabriel, Djalo, Song; Jewel

Braga probable starting XI:

Bernardo Fontes; Lagerbielke, V Carvalho, Bajrami; V Gomez, Tiknaz, Gorby, G Martinez; Pau Victor, Horta; Milosevic

Nacional’s ongoing losing streak and poor defensive record create difficulties for them to immediately rectify their season, especially with the uncertainty surrounding the transition in their management.

Braga will have less time to recuperate after the European fixture on Thursday; however, their win against Gent should offer a timely morale boost, and their robust record in this matchup makes an away victory a plausible outcome.