MATCH INFO
Start date: 19 Feb 2021 00:55
Location: Braga
Venue: Braga Municipal
Team News
No timeline has been placed on David Carmo's recovery and he is a big loss for Braga.
The Portuguese side will also be without Andre Castro, Rui Fonte, Francisco Moura and Iuri Medeiros.
Star striker Paulinho left to join rivals Sporting late last month in a blow for the Braga.
Braga did at least get Andraz Sporar on loan in return and also signed defender Cristian Borja from their rivals.
Ex-Chelsea Lucas Piazon also joined Braga last month to bolster their attacking options.
Pedro and Chris Smalling are missing for Roma for their clash with Braga on Thursday.
Edin Dzeko could make his first start in over a month here having previously fallen out with Roma head coach Paulo Fonseca. Borja Mayoral has stepped up in his absence, however.
Summer signing Marash Kumbulla hasn't played as much as he would have liked this season and will hope for minutes on Thursday, particularly with Smalling out.
Prediction
Braga are unbeaten in their last seven matches in all competitions and have been superb at home all season. In fact, they haven't lost on home soil since their very first game back in September. Since then they have won 13 of 16 matches.
Roma have been a real Jekyll and Hyde team this season. Almost unbeatable at home but terrible on the road. The Serie A outfit have lost five of their last seven away matches.
Roma are favourites to progress from this tie but the form book shows Braga should at least win the home leg.
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