Europa League 
/ Kevin Hatchard / 14 February 2012 / Leave a Comment 
Besiktas coach Carlos Carvalhal is under pressure
"I can’t see anything other than a home win here. Braga are on a good run of form, and have lost just once at home all season. Besiktas are low on confidence and are poor on their travels."
Under-fire Besiktas coach Carlos Carvalhal returns to his home town for this Europa League clash, but Kevin Hatchard suspects he won't have an enjoyable evening at the Estadio AXA.
Braga vs Besiktas, Tues 17:30 BST, Live on ESPN
Match Odds: Braga [1.75], Besiktas [5.8], the draw [3.9]
It's currently a good time to be a Braga fan. Leonardo Jardim's men have won their last seven matches in the Portuguese Liga, and they haven't suffered the pain of defeat since a 3-2 reverse at Porto in late November. Braga's home form has been particularly stellar - they've lost just once at the Estadio AXA (a 2-1 Europa League defeat to Club Brugge), and in the league they've collected 25 points from a possible 27.
Braga came through their Europa League group as runners-up, while their last-32 opponents Besiktas topped Group E. That success was based on excellent home form (three wins out of three), as the Turkish outfit picked up just three points on their travels, losing in Stoke and Kiev.
Besiktas are currently fourth in the Turkish Super Lig after suffering a slump in form. Carlos Carvalhal has seen his side lose three of their last four league games, a run which has torpedoed their title bid. Braga-born Carvalhal will be desperate to do well on his return to a club he played for and managed, and he knows he is under pressure.
I can't see anything other than a home win here. Braga are on a good run of form, and have lost just once at home all season. Besiktas are low on confidence and are poor on their travels, having collected just five wins in 13 domestic road trips. [1.75] for the home win is generous.
Besiktas have scored just once in their last four games, while Braga's defensive record at home is excellent, with just ten goals conceded in all competitions. Therefore, the question is whether Braga will open up and try to finish the tie in the first leg. I suspect they will be keen not to concede an away goal, so back under 2.5 goals at [1.92]
Braga are miserly at home, and the goals have dried up for Besiktas, so back Braga to Win to Nil at [3.0]
Recommended Bet: Back Braga to Win to Nil at [3.0]
Best Bet: Back Braga to win at [1.75]
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