Match Previews

Team in good form right now... Left-back César Peixoto (r) returns but likely to be benched so that Stélvio Cruz (sp) can start in midfield... Midfielders Andrés Madrid (sp) and Vandinho (r) not in the call-up, such as winger Zé Manel (sp)... The Arsenalists are coming from some positive results. The last one was a 2-1 league win over Marítimo that put them on the 6th place of the table with 18 points. Before that, Braga drew 1-1 at home against Bayern, which means they have collected two draws in the two games they've played for the UEFA Cup this season. Coach Manuel Machado is aware this is a difficult match and the atmosphere should be quite fiery, like attacking midfielder João Pinto (r) reported - he already played a few times against Greek teams. If Braga beats Aris at the same time that Bolton and Red Star drew, Braga will automatically reach the next stage of the UEFA Cup. Left-back César Peixoto (r) is back to the call-ups and he features the 18 players' group, where midfielders Andrés Madrid (sp) (option) and Vandinho (r) (muscular injury) are sidelined. Whilst Madrid is lacking a lot on fitness to play at his best level, Vandinho is a more important player, nowadays, especially because Madrid's place is being well replaced by Roberto Brum (r), who is a player Manuel Machado already knows from his stage at Académica. Winger Zé Manel (sp), who featured the starting lineup against Marítimo, sustained an injury and he's off. Jorginho (r) should play on his place, whilst João Pinto will be on striker Roland Linz's (r) back. Wender (r) will supply him from the left wing. Roberto Brum is certain to start on the defensive midfield but there are still questions about his partner. Will it be the young Stélvio Cruz (sp) or will Frechaut (sp) move from his recent makeshift left-back position to play as second anchor, allowing César Peixoto to start on the left-back? Most of the press say it will be Stélvio to start so Frechaut should stay on the left side of defence.