Otávio is a precious asset that Sérgio Conceição will now be able to use during his trip to Pedreira, after having been unable to count on him during the reception against Inter Milan, due to suspension. The Dragons midfielder/winger saw the match on the bench, and in everyone’s memory there was the image of his revolt and his despair in the last moments of the game in the face of his teammates’ impotence at prevent Champions from being eliminated. .

A soul that Sérgio Conceição intends to see transported to the top in Braga, where the national champions play a decisive card in the fight for the title. Eight points behind leaders Benfica, Porto players are prohibited from giving up more ground. But not only. With Sp. Braga just two points behind, the Dragons can’t be beaten either, as this scenario would push them into third place heading into the League home stretch.

In this sense, the return of Otávio to the eleven can be of paramount importance. Leaving an intermediate position on the pitch, with the mission of supplying the attack, the 28-year-old Portuguese international will have to break a lot of stones to open breaches in the solid structure of Sp. Braga. Unlike his teammates, who were forced to make a big push midweek, in this tough battle against Inter Milan, Otávio had more days to recharge his batteries, appearing physically fresh.

Changes

Baixinho’s availability will allow Sérgio Conceição to return to his usual 4x4x2, with the departure of one of the midfielders with defensive characteristics (Grujic or Eustáquio) and Taremi’s approach towards Evanilson in the most attacking area. With Otávio in eleven, the dragons gain in creativity and at the same time in combativeness, in an encounter that is expected from intense duels. Considering the likely absence of captain Pepe, the return of another historic to the squad is of greater significance.

Pepe and João Mario out of action

Not all is good news for Sérgio Conceição in preparation for the match in Braga, as Pepe and João Mário continue to be treated for their respective injuries and everything indicates that they will not recover in time to face the team managed by Arthur Jorge. In this way, it is almost certain that Pepê will remain on the right side of the defense and Fábio Cardoso in the axis, in what happened during the reception of Inter Milan. João Marcelo also in treatment and Meixedo, in integrated conditioning training, complete the injured team.

Otávio is a precious asset that Sérgio Conceição will now be able to use during his trip to Pedreira, after not having been able to count on him during the reception against Inter Milã…