Olympique Marseille and Sporting Braga meet at Stade Vélodrome, in a match for this phase of the UEFA Europa League (16th Finals). In the last 3 years there is only record of 2 direct confrontations between these two teams: one at 05-11-2015, which ended in a victory of Olympique Marseille by (1-0), and another more recent on 10-22-2015 , which ended in a victory for Sporting Braga by (3-2). Sporting Braga presents considerable differences in their results at home and as visitors, so in this game the home factor may be decisive.

The home team reaches this stage of the UEFA Europa League (16th Finals) after having finished the group stage in the 2nd position of Group I, with 8 points won. This is a team that usually maintains its competitive level in home and away matches, since in the last 30 matches they register 7 wins, 6 draws and 2 losses in away matches; against 10 wins, 4 draws and 1 loss at their stadium. In the last match they played, for the League 1, they drew with Saint-Étienne away by (2-2). In the last 5 home matches for the UEFA Europa League Olympique Marseille has a record of 4 wins and 1 draw.

For this competition, they have not lost any of the last 5 home matches. In 10 matches in this competition, they have only 1 comeback in the 5 matches they suffered in the first goal.

The Olympian Marseille returns to play at home after two consecutive exhibitions away from his fans, for what will be his tenth game in the year 2018, trying to maintain the good performance he has been presenting to build a consistent advantage in the first leg . The team is living a great moment in the season, taking into account that it is undefeated ten games ago, considering all the competitions that it is competing, and has been doing a beautiful campaign in the French Championship, in which it now occupies the third position. In the Europa League managed to qualify in the second position of Group I, having suffered only four goals in six games. Besides a good defense, the numbers of the national championship reveal a very efficient offensive sector, being the third best of the competition. The 4-2-3-1 should be the tactical scheme adopted for this duel, with highlight for the Brazilian Luiz Gustavo.

The visiting team reaches this stage of the UEFA Europa League (16th Finals) after having finished the group stage in the 1st position of Group C, with 10 points won. This is a team that usually makes good use of the home advantage, stronger with the help of its supporters, since in the last 30 matches they register 6 wins, 3 draws and 6 losses in away matches, with 20 goals scored and 21 conceded; against 11 wins, 1 draw and 3 losses at their stadium, with 34 goals scored and 14 suffered. The team comes to this match after a home win against Vitória Setúbal by (3-1). In the last 5 away matches UEFA Champions League, Sporting Braga has won 2, tied 2 and lost 1. The team has not been very strong defensively, since they have suffered goals in the last 10 matches, but their attack He has scored regularly, since he has scored goals in 9 of the last 10 matches for this competition. In 10 matches for this competition, they have conceded the first goal 7 times, but have regained the last of 4 goals. In the last 11 home matches for all competitions there is 1 period that stands out: they have scored 6 of their 12 goals between minutes (76 ‘) -90 ‘).

The Braga enters the field for its eighth exhibition in the year of 2018, but the first international, trying to continue with the good performance it has shown to surprise the French and facilitate the situation for the return game. The visiting team is going through a good moment, as it has accumulated three victories in its last four matches, all by the Portuguese league, in which it occupies the fourth position, also counting on the fourth best attack of the competition. In his last match, he showed a lot of defensive strength and was also opportunistic, defeating Vitória de Setúbal at home. In the Europa League, he managed to qualify in the leadership of Group C, although he has suffered almost as many goals as those he scored. For this match, it is likely that coach Abel Ferreira will organize the team in 4-4-2, with a highlight for Esgaio in the midfield.

PREDICTION: Marseille to win @ 1.43