Casa Pia vs Braga Prediction 23.04.2026 | Primeira Liga

Casa Pia head into this daunting midweek fixture firmly entrenched in a severe downturn in form, with the Lisbon outfit currently sitting 16th in the table and occupying the dreaded relegation playoff spot after a demoralising seven-match winless run, recording four draws and three defeats during that stretch.

The Gansos have struggled badly to generate any attacking rhythm, failing to find the back of the net in four matches throughout this ongoing drought, including a lifeless goalless draw against Santa Clara last time out, a result that has dragged them dangerously close to the automatic relegation zone.

Matters are further compounded by their alarming home record, with Casa Pia turning Estadio Municipal de Rio Maior into an uneasy venue for their supporters, having managed just two wins from 14 home fixtures this season, while a concerning goal difference of -24 highlights both their attacking limitations and persistent defensive frailties.

On the team news front, experienced defender José Fonte, along with Abdu Conte and Xander Severina, are all facing late fitness tests due to ongoing injury concerns, although at least one member of the trio could be in contention to feature from the bench.

SC Braga head into Matchday 30 riding a wave of confidence and momentum after their sensational 4-2 second-leg victory over Real Betis, a result that secured a 5-3 aggregate triumph and booked their place in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals for the first time in over a decade.

Os Arsenalistas have managed to balance their European exploits with domestic consistency throughout the campaign, currently sitting in 4th place with 53 points, although their most recent 2-2 draw with Famalicao served as a timely reminder that continental commitments can take their toll both physically and mentally.

Carlos Vicens’ side have also established themselves as genuine road warriors during the 2025-26 season, boasting the fourth-best away record in the league with seven victories on their travels, while maintaining an impressive attacking output of 26 goals scored across 14 away fixtures.

However, Braga will be forced into changes for this Thursday league encounter, as defensive duo Sikou Niakaté and Adrián León Barisic are both sidelined through injury, alongside young midfielder Diego Rodrigues, who also remains unavailable due to fitness issues.